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- 3 Powerful Vitamins You Should ‘Never Skip’ After 50, According To A Doctor: Probiotics, More (shefinds.com)
Over 50? Three Vitamins to Prioritize for Healthy Aging
As we age, our bodies change, and so do our nutritional needs. After 50, maintaining energy, a strong immune system, healthy bones, and sharp cognitive function becomes particularly reliant on certain key vitamins.
Because our ability to absorb or produce some nutrients declines with age, dietary choices and supplements become increasingly important. Ignoring these needs can increase the risk of fatigue, cognitive decline, osteoporosis, and other age-related health concerns.
Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist, highlights three essential vitamins for those over 50: vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics.
Vitamin D: More Than Just a Vitamin
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, which is essential for bone health. Insufficient vitamin D can lead to weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women and older adults.
Dr. Turegano emphasizes that vitamin D functions as a hormone, impacting immunity, mood, and even skin health.
Low levels are linked to fatigue, depression, and a weakened immune system. She notes that deficiency is surprisingly common, even among those with sun exposure, and clarifies that sunscreen use doesn’t preclude vitamin D absorption.
Omega-3s: Supporting Brain, Heart, and Joint Health
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for supporting age-sensitive systems, especially the brain, heart, and joints. Dr.
Turegano recommends consuming fatty fish like salmon or sardines twice a week or taking a fish oil or algae-based supplement. She points out the benefits of omega-3s extend to improved focus, mood regulation, and even reducing inflammation, which can benefit those with acne-prone skin.
Probiotics: Maintaining Gut Health
Aging often slows digestion and diminishes beneficial gut bacteria, potentially causing constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues. Probiotics can help restore balance, improve regularity, and enhance nutrient absorption.
Dr. Turegano underscores the importance of a healthy gut microbiome for overall well-being, linking it to everything from digestion and immunity to skin health and mental clarity.
She recommends incorporating a high-quality probiotic supplement or consuming fermented foods like kimchi and kefir. Additionally, she advises including prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, and bananas in the diet, explaining that prebiotics nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting a thriving microbiome.