Over the Counter Vitamin Needs for Aging Women
Our bodies require specific amounts of nutrients on a daily basis. We do not always obtain the recommended amounts of nutrients from the food and drink items that we consume. We can supplement these deficiencies with vitamins. However, if you have ever visited the vitamin aisle of your local store, it is likely that you quickly became overwhelmed. The vitamin aisle is filled with hundreds, sometimes thousands, or over the counter supplements. Each of them is for different purposes and it can be difficult to choose. Aging women in particular require a variety of health vitamins.
Vitamin D supplements
A lot of people are actually somewhat deficient in vitamin D levels. The most natural source of vitamin D is through the sunlight. The problem however, is that many people live in areas of the world that experience long, cold, and rain filled weather conditions. When the sun does not come out for many days or months, vitamin D levels decrease. Vitamin can also come from some juices, but taking an over the counter vitamin D supplement ensures that you are getting enough of this important vitamin.
Calcium, especially for aging women
Calcium is another commonly under consumed vitamin. Calcium comes from milk and dairy products. However, a lot of people have dietary restrictions that include dairy products and it can make it very difficult to obtain the recommended amounts of calcium per day. Also, as women age, the amount of calcium that the body successfully absorbs decreases. The Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academy of Sciences, recommends that adolescents get 1,300 milligrams of calcium a day. A woman of child bearing age, or coming into menopause may require even more than that.
Hormonal balance supplements
Hormonal support is also important to the aging woman. Things like taking the best vitamins for breast health, the best antioxidant vitamins, and hormonal menopause support are all very important. Women?s hormone levels are constantly changing, depending on their age and stage of life. Childbearing age brings an increase in estrogen and a decrease in calcium and fiber, especially if child bearing. Women closer to menopause age will want to focus on increasing calcium intakes and the best vitamins for breast health. Menopause is a time of extreme hormonal changes and hormonal balance supplements can be helpful.
Vitamin B supplements
As you age, you probably notice a decrease in your energy levels. You tire easier and find it more difficult to get out of bed in the morning. Your bedtime might become earlier and earlier. In addition to the best vitamins for breast health, you might also benefit from taking vitamin B supplements. Vitamin B is a natural source of energy and is more beneficial to your body than caffeine, sugar, or energy drinks. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommend that people over the age of 50 get most of their vitamin B12 from synthetic sources, either from fortified foods or dietary supplements.
Multivitamin for a wide variety of benefits
Without taking regular blood tests, it can be difficult to know exactly what types of vitamins you require. While some of the basic ones are suggested, including calcium, vitamin D, and the best vitamins for breast health, it is also possible that you are lacking in other vitamin areas. A daily multi vitamin can be helpful in covering all vitamin bases. Currently, about two thirds of American adults take at least one dietary supplement, most often multivitamin or mineral pills. You will also find that many brands of multi vitamins carry specific ones based on a person?s gender and age.
Eating a well balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables is important, especially as we age. However, many people struggle with obtaining the recommended levels of certain needed vitamins. If you are aware that you are deficient in some of these vitamins or you are at an age where your body is experiencing a lot of changes, over the counter vitamin supplements can be helpful. Women aging especially can benefit from vitamin D, vitamin B, breast health supplements, and calcium vitamins. Also, taking a daily multi vitamin can ensure that you are meeting all specific dietary recommendations.