H E A LT H
THE ROLE OF
nerves healthy. While older adults
SUPPLEMENTS AS WE AGE
other adults, some have trouble absorbing the vitamin naturally found in food. However, it’s also important for patients to understand the potential
Eating a healthy balanced diet is the best way to get the nutrients the body needs. However, when patients don’t get enough vitamins and minerals from their daily diet, their doctor may recommend a supplement.
P
need just as much vitamin B12 as
safety risks of supplements. According to the NIH, some supplements: • contain active ingredients that can have strong effects in the body • can increase the risk
ills, capsules, powders, gel
certain birth defects; and omega-3
tabs, extracts, liquids…
fatty acids from fish oils might help
supplements are a
some people with heart disease.”
multimillion-rand industry. For
We have different nutritional
of bleeding • if taken before or after surgery, can affect the person’s response to anaesthesia
patients who don’t eat a nutritious
needs throughout our lives and
variety of foods, some supplements
most older adults take some
prescription drugs in ways
might help them get adequate
kind of over-the-counter dietary
that might cause problems,
amounts of essential nutrients.
supplement. Patients over age 50
for example: St John’s wort
Nevertheless, supplements can’t
may need more of certain vitamins
can speed the breakdown
take the place of the variety of foods
and minerals than younger adults
of many drugs (including
that are important to a healthy diet.
do. If they aren’t able to get these
antidepressants and birth
through their diet, their doctor may
control pills) and thereby reduce
substitute for a balanced, healthful
recommend they take a vitamin or
these drugs’ effectiveness;
diet,” said Dr JoAnn Manson,
mineral supplement.
antioxidant supplements, like
“Supplements are never a
a professor of medicine
According to the National
• can also interact with certain
vitamins C and E, might reduce
at Harvard Medical School.
Institute on Aging, the most
the effectiveness of some types
“And they can be a distraction
common of these include:
of cancer chemotherapy.
from healthy lifestyle
• Calcium: Calcium works with
practices that confer much
vitamin D to keep bones strong
Before recommending
greater benefits.” According
at all ages. Bone loss can lead to
supplements, or dispensing
to the National Institutes of
fractures in both older women
medications, always check to
and men.
see what other medications your
Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements, “Scientific
• Vitamin D: Most people’s bodies
patient is on and warn patients
evidence shows that some
make enough vitamin D if they
against taking dietary supplements
dietary supplements are
are in the sun for 15-30 minutes
to treat a health condition
beneficial for overall health
at least twice a week. Older
they’ve diagnosed themselves
and for managing some health
patients may not be able to get
without consulting a healthcare
conditions. For example,
enough vitamin D that way.
professional. Also, check whether
calcium and vitamin D are important for keeping bones strong and reducing bone loss; folic acid decreases the risk of 32
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2020
• Vitamin B6: This vitamin is needed to form red blood cells.
they are scheduled to have any surgical procedures. •
• Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 helps keep red blood cells and
This article first appeared on www. medicalacademic.co.za on December 17, 2019
