In 2012,  there were 55,000 food supplement products in the U.S. market. And, then and now, the biggest users are the elderly. In fact, a survey done by Harris Poll shows that 82% of people aged 55 to 64 regularly take vitamins and minerals. The number increases as they get older.

But what are food supplements? Do you need them? Are they effective and safe? Are they worth the expense?

These are very pertinent questions you should look into, especially when you are taking one or two of them. Maybe you have some peripheral about them, but not enough to know how they work or if you need them at all. Or perhaps you believe that they make you feel good, healthy and free of the aches and pains that have been nagging you all along. But do they, really?

Or course, there are skeptics, the non-believers. Those who think thay are just an additional expense.

Regardless of what side you belong to, read on. This article intends to make you get the most of your food supplements – users or would-be users.

What are Food Supplements

Food supplements are vitamins and minerals taken to supplement your diet.  Their main purpose is to compensate for any nutritional deficiency you may have.

They come in different forms and colors such as pills, capsules, powder, gels, extracts or liquids. They might contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acid,  herbs or other plants, or enzymes.

Some manufacturers market their products as antioxidants or herbals. No matter what name, shape or form they come, they belong to the parent category of food supplements.

All food supplements carry a disclaimer about their products having no curative properties. But unscrupulous merchants peddle them with a promise of curing a host of illnesses from warts, arthritis, diabetes to heart problems. Some promise a wrinkle-free and youthful skin and sparkling eyes. They even use testimonials and endorsements to boost sales.

Are food supplements safe

Food supplements are not monitored by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and manufacturers are not required to share information on the safety and efficacy of their products.

Therefore, never use them unless recommended and supervised by your doctor or nutritionist. Buy from reputable companies, not those from unknown origins, or order them through Facebook. They are expensive, could be harmful, or not effective at all.

Remember that they are used to supplement your diet to prevent illnesses due to nutritional deficiency. They cannot and will not cure existing illnesses.

Contrary to popular belief, they also do not greatly improve health. They may even increase the risk of diseases to sensitive people.

Food supplements may not be totally safe under these conditions:

• If you are taking some medications. They may interact with the medicines, causing absorption problems resulting in the worsening of your health condition;

• Nutrients in single or multiple supplements taken in a day may interact with each other in a negative way. To avoid this, take different supplements at different times of the day.

Do you need food supplements

Experts all agree that no supplement is better than a good diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep and a healthy lifestyle.

But these may not be available to all seniors. Age may reduce appetite, loneliness and depression can disrupt sleeping habits and decreased metabolism may prevent the body from absorbing all the nutrients from the food you eat.

Under these conditions, food supplements may be recommended to make up for any nutritional shortfall – but only after a thorough evaluation.

The following are best suited for people 50 and above:

• Vitamin B12: necessary in the production of red blood cells, increase DNA and healthy nerve functions.

• Folate/Folic Acid (vitaminB9): this aids in the formation of red and white blood cells in the bone marrow, converts carbohydrates into energy and the production of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which is good for brain health, and RNA (ribonucleic acid), which is good for catalyzing amino acids into protein chains.

• Calcium: a mineral that plays important roles in the body, specifically in building and maintaining strong bones. Consuming enough calcium is a deterrent against bone embrittlement or osteoporosis.

• Vitamin D: helps the body absorb calcium more efficiently. It is also good for chronic diseases like cancer, type 1 diabetes, rheumatism, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune diseases.

• Potassium:  helps keep the bones strong, promotes proper functioning of body cells, reduces high blood pressure and minimizes the risk of kidney stones.

• Magnesium: necessary to keep the immune system healthy, helps in promoting bone and heart health.

• Fibers: from fruits, vegetables, and cereals, they promote healthy digestion and reduces the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart diseases.

• Omega 3 fats: are unsaturated fats from fish with multiple health benefits. They can reduce arthritic pains, and slow down the progress of macular degeneration – a common eye disease among the elderly.

Are food supplements worth it

Pfizer, BASF and Abbot Laboratories, among others, are giant pharmaceutical companies. Yet, they are also into food supplements.

Why? Because it is a huge market.

In 2018, the U.S. market generated $ 124.8 billion in revenues – a growth rate of 6.4% CAGR (compound annual growth rate).

Was it worth every penny spent by consumers? Not by any measure.

According to Donald B. McCormick, Ph. D., Professor Emeritus of biochemistry at Emory University, that is “a lot of money wasted.” 

Why?

A study done for the American Osteopathic Association involving  2,001 adults using food supplements shows that only 23% of people aged 55 to 64, and 24% of the 65 and above have test results showing they have nutritional deficiencies.

Conclusion? Roughly 76% of those surveyed are throwing good money away.

The effects of aging are irreversible. No food supplement can ever make you look or feel like a spring chicken anymore. But it can make an old rooster or hen, like you, enjoy life to fullest – as I do.

When my stamina dropped so low I couldn’t even finish a tennis doubles game, I consulted my doctor who prescribed multivitamins. That was many years ago. Now, at 71, I still play tennis and an avid solo traveler.

I am not saying that what worked for me may also work for you. But it’s worth a try, isn’t it?

Please share to educate other seniors about food supplements.

~oOo~