The availability and quantity of food today is better now than at any point in history. Walk the aisles of any grocery store and you’ll find, not only a great quantity of food, but a great variety as well. Thanks to advances in science and technology over the past century, we can produce more and better food than ever before.
Daily Vitamins and Minerals for Men Over 50
Men over 50 should take a daily vitamin supplement
And yet, most people still do not get the full dose of daily vitamins and minerals they need. As people age, their bodies absorb nutrients less efficiently so vitamins and supplements are required to address any deficiencies. Men over the age of fifty should take a daily dose of vitamins and supplements to fight against prostate and colon cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and other ailments. Yes, men can, and do, develop osteoporosis.
Check out this list of five essential vitamins and supplements for men over fifty:
Calcium
Although women have a higher risk, men over 50 may suffer from bone loss that leads to osteoporosis. A lack of calcium can cause brittle bones and, as men age, the risk of falling and breaking bones increases. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic suggest taking 1,200 mg of calcium daily to increase bone density.
Vitamin E
Free radicals, caused by excess pollution and smoking, increase the risk of certain kinds of cancer and heart disease. Men over 50 produce fewer antioxidants, so take a daily dose of Vitamin E to combat these free radicals and maintain healthy skin.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 helps regulate a person’s metabolism and digestive system. This complex vitamin also prevents testosterone loss and benefits prostate health leading to better urination and increased sexual activity.
Vitamin B12
Like B6, B12 is a complex vitamin essential to good health. Nearly one fifth of men over 50 lack the proper daily dose of B12. A lack of B12 can cause fatigue, anemia, memory loss, joint pain, and in some cases, may lead to dementia. B12 helps the body digest food properly and absorb nutrients by maintaining healthy levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This vitamin also provides critical aid to the proper operation of the nervous system.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
For men over 50, Omega-3 supplements offer a number of benefits. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, fatty acids fight various forms of cancer and heart disease. Fatty fish, including mackerel, tuna, and salmon, offer a high concentration of fatty acids, but if you dislike the taste of fish, use a supplement as a substitute.
OK, he’s not over 50 in this pic, but just had to include it. ~Pacino
Fatty acids also maintain healthy levels of testosterone. Testosterone increases a man’s mental energy, sex drive, and physical strength. Men over 50 lose around 1% of their testosterone each year. This can to lead to heart attacks, loss of muscle mass, osteoporosis, and obesity.
You can find many of the above vitamins and supplements in over-the-counter multi-vitamins at your local grocery store. If you aren’t taking a multi-vitamin and you’re a man over the age of 50, chances are you’re not getting the proper dose of daily nutrients. Take charge of your health every day by taking these vitamins and supplements—you’ll be glad you did.
About the Author: Michael Taulier is a freelance writer specializing in healthcare, resume editing, and the freelance lifestyle. You can learn more about the various services Michael offers by visiting his website, Refined Writer. You can also connect with Michael on LinkedIn or follow him on Twitter @RefinedWriter.
*All images used with permission
