It’s time to express your love and care to the elderly during CNY! It is more difficult to absorb adequate nutrients when people over age 50. They may need to change their daily diet and take some supplements after the doctor consultation. Here are some supplements for the elderly.
(1) Calcium
Calcium and vitamin D are the essential elements to build and maintain strong bones and teeth and send nerve signals to muscles and blood vessels to contract. If the elderly cannot get sufficient amounts of calcium from the diet, it may lead to brittle bones and fractures. Women and men who age over 50 are suggested to take 1,200mg and 1,000 mg each day respectively. The elderly can also consume milk, milk products or fish instead.
(2) Vitamin D
Taking vitamin D can help to absorb calcium. You can get enough vitamin D by exposing your bare skin to sunlight for 30 minutes twice a week. The elderly can eat more vitamin D fortified milk, fatty fish or canned tuna to take sufficient vitamin D. People age over 50 require 600 IU vitamin D a day.
(3) Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is important to make red blood cells and keep nerves healthy. When you age, you may suffer from a vitamin B12 deficiency. The elderly produce less stomach acid that will cause less vitamin B12 absorption from the diet. It can lead to anemia and fatigue. We can consume food proteins from dairy and eggs to get sufficient vitamin B12. People aged over 50 are suggested to take 2.4 mcg daily.
(4) Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is essential to produce red blood cells. It helps metabolism and immune system significantly. Our body cannot create vitamin B6. But, we can get it in bananas, soy products, whole grains or meats. Men are suggested to take 1.7 mg and women take 1.5 mg each day.
