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Multivitamins for females over age 50 years may fill nutrient gaps in their diets. Older females have different vitamin and mineral needs than younger ones.
This article discusses what multivitamins are, whether they are necessary, and some of the best multivitamins for females over 50 years of age.
Males and females often benefit from differing vitamin and mineral types, quantities, and combinations. With this in mind, some companies develop specific formulas of supplements, vitamins, shakes, and health bars. A person should discuss their options with a doctor or healthcare professional who can help them decide, and choose the product they feel works best for them and their needs.
Multivitamins are nutritional supplements that contain a blend of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. There is
Manufacturers may specially formulate some multivitamins to address specific nutritional needs, such as those of athletes or vegans, and specific health concerns, such as fertility. Other multivitamins are general-purpose.
However, people should not rely solely on multivitamins for the nutrients they need. People should always try to consume enough vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet.
Multivitamins can be helpful for people who have difficulty meeting all their nutritional needs through diet alone. These products
However, people should always consult a healthcare professional before taking a multivitamin supplement. Usually, a person can reach the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet.
While
A person’s nutritional needs change as they age. Females over the age of 50 years may need supplementation for the following nutrients:
- Calcium: Females over age 50 need
1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day — more than the 1,000 mg necessary for females ages 19–50. - Vitamin B6: Females over age 50 also need more vitamin B6 and should aim to consume
1.5 mg per day. Additionally, older people are athigher risk of developing a vitamin B6 deficiency. - Vitamin B12: Many older adults’ bodies have more difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from food due to a decrease in stomach acid secretion. This increases the risk of a severe vitamin B12 deficiency, and healthcare professionals may recommend supplementation.
- Vitamin D: Older adults have a greater risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency.
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
The following table compares the multivitamins in this article:
| Type of vitamin | Count | Dose | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Chapter | tablets | 48 tablets | 1 daily | around $35 |
| Garden of Life | capsules | 120 capsules | 4 daily | around $50 |
| Thorne | capsules | 180 capsules | 3-6 daily | around $50 |
| SmartyPants | gummies | 120 gummies | 4 daily | around $22 |
| care/of | tablets | 60 tablets | 2 daily | $15 |
| Ritual | capsules | 60 capsules | 2 daily | $39 |
| 21st Century | tablets | 100 tablets | 1 daily | around $7 |
| One A Day | tablets | 200 tablets | 1 daily | around $20 |
| Nature Made | softgels | 60 softgels | 1 daily | around $16 |
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria where possible:
- Price: Products suit a wide range of budgets.
- Ingredients: Products list all ingredients clearly and outline their manufacturing processes.
- Safety: Products contain ingredients deemed safe for ingestion.
- Reputation: Products come from businesses that adhere to industry best practices.
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Females over the age of 50 years who need to take a multivitamin may consider looking for one that contains the following nutrients:
- calcium
- vitamin D
- vitamin B6
- vitamin B12
People should always seek the advice of a healthcare professional before purchasing multivitamins.
People should consult a healthcare professional before starting to take a nutritional supplement. Most people can get all the nutrients they need by eating a balanced diet.
However, older people may find it difficult to consume enough nutrients through their diet alone. For example, older adults may be low in vitamin B12 due to insufficient absorption resulting from changes in stomach acid. Healthcare professionals may recommend supplementation in these cases.
Taking too much of some nutrients can cause adverse side effects. People should make sure to discuss a supplement plan with a doctor to find the right multivitamins for their health needs.
Some companies may recommend taking the supplement with a meal. Other supplements may be suitable to take on an empty stomach.
People should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when taking a multivitamin.
According to the National Institutes of Health, basic multivitamins that provide levels of nutrients close to the recommended amounts are safe for most people to take.
People with specific health issues should discuss with a healthcare professional any concerns they have and how their health conditions may affect supplement use.
In general, a person should follow the recommended dosage for a multivitamin on the product’s packaging.
Most people who take multivitamins do so without side effects, although some people report stomach pain, particularly if they take multivitamins on an empty stomach.
People taking blood thinners such as warfarin should talk with a doctor before taking multivitamins, as some nutrients, such as vitamin K, interfere with the effectiveness of these medications.
Most multivitamins for women include a range of vitamins and minerals to support health during years of menstruation and fertility, so may include high levels of certain vitamins and minerals such as iron.
Multivitamins for women over 50 will contain vitamins and minerals that older women may need more, such as calcium and vitamin D, and may not include others, such as iron.
The best multivitamin for women over 50 will include calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
Some options include New Chapter Every Woman’s One Daily 55+ Multivitamin, One A Day Women’s 50+ Complete Multivitamin, or Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 50+.
Most people do not need multivitamins, as they can consume enough nutrients through their diet. However, healthcare professionals may recommend that some females over 50 years old take supplements to reduce the risk of developing deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
Many multivitamins for women over age 50 are available to purchase online. Before taking dietary supplements, people should always seek the advice of a healthcare professional to make sure the supplements will not interact with any medications they are taking.