2 Best Supplements for People Over 50

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The combination of exercise and proper nutrition determines our health, and there's a lot we can do to influence it, especially as we age. Older people need more calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone health. Calcium supplements are strongly recommended for people over 50 to meet these needs.

Calcium is important for bone health throughout life.

More than 99% of the calcium in your body is stored in your bones and teeth. Although diet is the best way to get calcium, calcium supplements may be an option if your diet doesn't meet the requirements. It's so important that if you don't get the recommended amount in your diet, your body will take it from your skeleton and teeth to use elsewhere, weakening your bones, which is why calcium supplementation is so important for people over 50.

As the Mayo Clinic notes, your body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones.

“Your heart, muscles, and nerves also need calcium to function properly. Some research suggests that calcium, along with vitamin D, may have benefits beyond bone health: It may protect against cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.”

The amount of calcium needed a person in supplements depends on how much calcium you get from food sources. There are several different calcium compounds to choose from, such as calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.

Except for people with gastrointestinal conditions, all major forms of calcium supplements are absorbed equally well when taken with food. Calcium supplements are best absorbed when taken in small doses (500 mg or less) several times throughout the day.

Calcium supplements are not for everyone, the Mayo Clinic added.

“For example, if you have have a medical condition that causes excess calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), you should avoid calcium supplements.”