Are "Senior" Vitamin Supplements Another Health Gimmick?

American Institute for Cancer Research

Although you may not feel like a “senior” when you’re 50 or older, that’s the point at which recommendations for several nutrients change. The “senior” or “silver” formula vitamin products are supposed to meet the needs of this age group. These products are almost always lower in iron. The higher levels of iron in standard products are designed to cover the needs of menstruating women.

But all adult men and women after menopause don’t need that much iron. There’s even some evidence that too much iron could increase the risk of heart disease and cancer by counteracting the activity of antioxidants. Senior formulas may also be higher in vitamin B-12. Current recommendations call for people over 50 to meet the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B-12 with a supplement or fortified foods, because some people have trouble absorbing this vitamin at this age. Senior products may be lower in vitamin A, too, because some studies suggest that as we get older, blood levels of this vitamin can easily rise to a range that increases the risk of hip fracture. Since there is no standard “senior” formula, you should look at the details of what’s in each multivitamin product. As you check the amounts of each nutrient, remember that more than the RDA is not always better at any age.

For more information about nutrition and older adults, see Issue 21: The Role of Good Nutrition in your Aging in Stride Reader Support Center. 

In the next issue of the Aging in Stride Bi-Monthly E-Newsletter: The FDA has updated the food pyramid for seniors. See what has changed and what new recommendations have been added!