Aging Gracefully

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that seniors may face the risk of vitamin deficiencies, even if they are eating well. Some doctors recommend a daily vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure that an older person takes in 100 percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs).

However, a multivitamin cannot take the place of healthy food because foods contain additional important components such as fiber, plant chemicals, and essential fatty acids. In addition, high-dose supplements should be avoided unless recommended by a physician or dietitian, as they can lead to nutritional imbalances. For example, zinc supplements can interfere with the body’s use of folic acid; iron can inhibit proper calcium and zinc absorption.