Consider vitamins and nutrients as a defensive force against age-related ailments. According to Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, who manages wellness nutrition programs at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute, the most effective way to fortify this defense is by adopting a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
While maintaining a healthy diet is always crucial, it becomes particularly vital around the age of 40 when the body undergoes changes, such as the decline in muscle mass, increased susceptibility to weight gain, onset of menopause, and elevated risks of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
As Kirkpatrick notes, the body doesn’t function the same way at 40 and beyond as it did in the twenties. Hence, a modified strategy is necessary. One effective solution is ensuring an adequate intake of the right vitamins and nutrients, achievable through a wholesome diet. Kirkpatrick emphasizes that, although supplements are an option, food sources are generally preferable as they are more readily absorbed. Here, we outline the essential nutrients to focus on and the optimal ways to incorporate them into your diet.
Vitamin B12
Once you cross the age of 40, and particularly after reaching 50, it’s crucial to pay attention to vitamin B12, as emphasized by Kirkpatrick. This vitamin is vital for maintaining normal blood and brain function. While children and younger adults usually obtain sufficient B12 from food sources such as meat, chicken, fish, dairy, and eggs, its absorption becomes less efficient as the body ages, typically starting around 50 due to declining stomach acid levels.
Any time between the ages of 40 and 50 is an opportune period to consider incorporating B12 supplements or a multivitamin into your routine. The recommended daily intake is 2.4 mg, aligning with the current dietary guidelines. Kirkpatrick assures that there’s no need for concern about excessive intake since B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning any excess is excreted through urine.
Calcium
Determining the role of calcium can be perplexing. A recent analysis of 59 studies focusing on its impact on fracture prevention for individuals aged 50 and above revealed that increasing calcium intake, whether from food or supplements, did not show a significant reduction in fracture risk. Furthermore, other research has associated calcium supplements with an elevated risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiac death in postmenopausal women.
Despite the fact that the majority of calcium absorption by our bones occurs earlier in life, typically before the age of 30, Kirkpatrick emphasizes that the nutrient remains essential for maintaining bone health later in life. Calcium is also vital for fundamental bodily functions such as muscle contraction, nerve and heart functioning, and various biochemical reactions. In cases where dietary calcium is insufficient, the body resorts to extracting calcium from the bones, leading to weakening.
In essence, the key takeaway is that calcium is still necessary beyond the age of 40. However, recent findings suggest that an excessive amount may not provide additional benefits and could even pose risks to heart health. According to Kirkpatrick, most women can meet their calcium requirements (1,000 mg per day for women aged 40 to 50, and 1,200 mg for women over 50) through a well-balanced diet rich in calcium sources like dairy, tofu, sardines, broccoli, almonds, and spinach.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D holds significant importance, particularly after the age of 40, according to Kirkpatrick, as it plays a crucial role in protecting against age-related changes. Deficiencies in vitamin D have been associated with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and breast and colorectal cancers, all of which become more prevalent with advancing age. Additionally, vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium in the body.
While dietary sources of vitamin D include fish and fortified dairy, grains, and cereals, the absorption of D from food is generally limited. The sun stands out as the best natural source of this vitamin. However, not everyone resides close enough to the equator to receive the strong rays necessary for obtaining sufficient vitamin D, as explained by Kirkpatrick.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, a function of particular significance for women aged 40 and above who are already susceptible to high blood pressure due to the natural aging process. Kirkpatrick highlights that magnesium deficiencies have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation. Moreover, magnesium aids in calcium absorption and contributes to muscle, nerve, and heart function, as well as blood glucose control.
If you suspect a magnesium deficiency, your doctor can conduct tests and recommend supplements if necessary. However, Kirkpatrick notes that maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is likely to provide the required magnesium intake (320 mg per day for women aged 40 and above) from natural sources. Magnesium-rich foods include dark leafy greens, beans, soy, nuts, seeds, and avocados. While excessive magnesium intake generally does not pose serious health risks, it may lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, or cramping.
Read Also: Pregnancy Vitamins – Why You Need It, What’s Safe and Unsafe
Potassium
Potassium plays a pivotal role in maintaining blood pressure at a healthy level, regardless of age, according to Kirkpatrick. In postmenopausal women, research has shown a connection between higher potassium intake from food and a reduced risk of stroke. Notably, the benefits were observed even with as little as 2 g per day, and a “high” intake was considered to be around 3.1 g, which is still below the recommended daily intake of 4.7 g.
Ensuring an adequate intake of potassium is essential, but Kirkpatrick advises against taking potassium supplements unless prescribed by a healthcare professional for a specific medical condition. Excessive potassium intake can harm the gastrointestinal tract and the heart, potentially leading to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Most individuals can obtain the necessary potassium from a diverse and healthy diet that includes foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, chard, beans, and lentils. Kirkpatrick reassures that it’s highly unlikely to consume enough potassium through diet to pose a danger. If potassium supplements are prescribed, careful monitoring by a doctor is crucial to assess their impact on an individual.
Omega-3s
While not classified as a vitamin, omega-3 fatty acids merit inclusion on this list due to their numerous health benefits, as noted by Kirkpatrick. They play a crucial role in counteracting some of the negative effects associated with aging, such as an increased risk of heart disease and cognitive decline. Research indicates that omega-3s contribute to lowering blood pressure and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease, and supporting cognitive functions such as memory and sharp thinking.
A recent study even found that individuals with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood exhibited larger brains and performed better on memory tests, planning activities, and abstract thinking compared to those with lower levels. This suggests that omega-3 fatty acids contribute not only to overall health but also play a role in maintaining brain health, according to Dr. Zaldy S. Tan, the lead author of the study and the medical director of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program at UCLA.
While omega-3s can be obtained from foods like fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, and leafy vegetables, Kirkpatrick recommends considering supplements to ensure an adequate intake. Depending on your health status, the recommended daily intake varies: aim for 500 mg if you’re healthy, 800 to 1,000 mg if you have heart disease, and 2,000 to 4,000 mg if you have high triglyceride levels. It’s crucial to consult your doctor, especially if you’re taking anticoagulant drugs, as omega-3 supplements can have serious side effects in combination with such medications.
Probiotics
Even though they aren’t classified as vitamins or minerals, probiotics are considered essential for women aged 40 and beyond, as highlighted by Kirkpatrick. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining gut health, managing weight, and reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. These benefits become especially relevant around the age of 40 when muscle mass starts to decline, making weight management and insulin resistance more significant concerns.
While probiotics can be obtained from certain dairy and fermented soy products like seitan, these foods may not contain as many strains as a supplement. Each strain of probiotics comes with its unique benefits—some aiding in weight control and others in preventing diarrhea. Notably, because probiotics consist of live and active cultures, they cannot be acquired from foods that are cooked or heated. Therefore, incorporating probiotic supplements into your routine may be a practical way to ensure a diverse and adequate intake of beneficial strains.
Conclusion
Prioritizing essential nutrients and maintaining a balanced diet becomes increasingly crucial beyond the age of 40. As outlined by Kristin Kirkpatrick, a focus on vitamins and minerals such as B12, calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids can significantly contribute to overall health and well-being during the aging process.
Additionally, recognizing the importance of non-traditional essentials like probiotics becomes essential for women aged 40 and above, supporting gut health, weight management, and the prevention of age-related ailments. While a diverse and nutritious diet is key, supplements may be considered under specific circumstances to ensure adequate intake. Consulting with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and monitoring is advisable, ensuring a holistic approach to health as individuals navigate the unique nutritional needs associated with aging.
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