The Best Supplements for Seniors

As we become older, the needs of our bodies change, and often the nutritional content of our food is not enough to accommodate for these changes. Nutritional and herbal supplements can help to increase the amount of much needed vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals we get each day, helping to keep our joints moving and eyes sparkling for a good, long life. When you are a senior, look for certain supplements that help support good health.

Fish Oils

• Fish are rich in omega-3 oils that benefit circulation and memory.

  Fish oil, most often taken from deep-sea fish such as salmon, krill or cod, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered essential for healthy life. The omega-3 found in fish helps to protect the heart from cardiovascular disease, promotes healthy circulation and improves memory, mood and concentration. Domenico Prisco from the University of Florence stated in a study published in "Thrombosis Research" in 1998 that omega-3 oils helped to reduce high blood pressure in patients who took 4 g per day of fish oil. The recommended dosage for fish oil is 3,000 mg to 6,000 mg daily.

Glucosamine Sulfate

• Supplements can help to relieve pain and discomfort related to joint diseases.

  Glucosamine sulfate is a chemical that reduces pain and inflammation in arthritic conditions, and is considered a building block in repairing cartilage damage. Tanveer Towheed from Queen's University claims in a review of 16 scientific studies published 2001 in the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" that glucosamine sulfate is just as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment and management of osteoarthritis. The recommended dosage for glucosamine sulfate is 1,500 mg daily, taken for up to three months to see reduction in symptoms.

Vitamin C

• Eating fruit and vegetables each day can help to support good levels of Vitamin C.

  Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential component for life and is used for a variety of purposes in the body, such as creating immune cells, protecting tissues from oxidative damage and creating collegan for skin and cartilage. In a study published in 2004 in "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases," researcher Dorothy Pattison from the University of Manchester found that people with low levels of vitamin C in the diet were the most likely to develop inflammatory polyarthritis, a type of rheumatoid arthritis. The recommended dosage for vitamin C is 500 mg twice daily.

Bilberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus)

• Bilberry is related to blueberry and has a similar rich blue color.

  Bilberry is a herbal remedy rich in antioxidants and plant chemicals. Taken as a supplement, bilberry can help to improve eyesight, reduce symptoms of varicose veins, improve edema and protect the heart from cardiovascular disease. In a study published in "Advances of Gerontology" in 2005, researcher Anzhela Fursova found Bilberry was an effective supplement for preventing cataracts and macular degeneration when taken for long periods of time. The recommended dosage for bilberry extract is 1,500 mg daily.

Warnings

• Many of these and other supplements may interact with prescribed medications. Because of this. all readers are urged to contact their health care provider before seeking out nutritional or herbal supplements.