When it comes to taking care of an aging body, many health professionals will recommend taking a multivtamin. This is because as the body ages, the diet tends to wane and the body does not absorb nutrients as well as in younger years. Most notably, the bones do not absorb calcium as well as during the youthful decades, so the body requires more calcium and vitamin D to get the same results. What are some of the most recommended multivatmins for seniors? Centrum Silver, Kirkland Signature Mature, CVS Spectravite, One a Day Advantage, ABC Multivitamin, and Mega Vita Min will all be discussed.
Top 6 Multivitamins for Seniors:
- Centrum Silver
- Kirkland Signature Mature
- CVS Spectravite
- One a Day Advantage
- ABC Multivitamin
- Mega Vita Min
Centrum Silver, Adults +50
Contains about 25 mcg of vitamin B12, but no iron. It does contain 220mg of calcium; however, this falls short of the recommended daily value for adults. It does contain 500 IU of vitamin D, but this also falls short. It does contain 30 mcg of vitamin K, but individuals eating their vegetables will not be short on vitamin K. It has a reasonable price and no side effects. This multivitamin is a supplement. Individuals should continue to stock up on foods that are high in calcium, iron, and vitamin D.
Highlights:
- Contains a minimal amount of calcium and vitamin D.
- Does not contain iron.
Kirkland Signature Mature Adults 50+ Multi
While this is a store-brand multivitamin, studies have shown that these work as well as popular brand names for a lower cost. This multivitamin has 25 mcg of B12, but few people are short on this because the liver can store a decade’s worth of B12. It contains 2500 IU of vitamin A, 500 IU of vitamin D, and 220 mg of calcium. It has 30 mcg of vitamin K and no iron. Again, this falls short of the recommend daily value based on pill alone, so individuals should continue to receive vitamin D from the sun and stock up on calcium-containing foods. It is cheaper than popular brand names and also doesn’t cause any side effects.
Highlights:
- Low amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
- High amount of vitamin A.
- No iron. No side effects. Low cost.
CVS Spectravite Adult 50+ Multivitamin
This is another store-brand multivitamin from CVS. It contains 25 mcg of B12, 500 IU of vitamin D, 2500 IU of vitamin A, and 220 mg of calcium. This multivitamin also does not contain iron. Again, this multivitamin is far short of the vitamin D, calcium, and iron requirements. Therefore, users should continue to seek additional sources elsewhere. The cost falls somewhere between Centrum and Kirkland. This vitamin also dissolves with minimal side effects.
Highlights:
- Minimal vitamin D and calcium.
- No iron. High vitamin A.
- Relatively low cost without side effects.
One-A-Day 50+ Advantage
This comes in separate formulations for men and women. This medicine contains 1000 IU of vitamin D for women and 700 IU of vitamin D for men. This contains 500 mg of calcium for women and 120 mg for men. This also has a minimal amount of vitamin K (20 mcg) and vitamin B12 (25 mcg). It is notable that the women’s version has more vitamin D and calcium due to menopause leading to significant bone loss and risk for osteoporosis. This is an expensive formulation, but does contain plenty of vitamin D. People should still seek additional calcium in their diet.
Highlights:
- Contains plenty of vitamin D but still not enough calcium.
- More amounts of vitamins means a higher cost.
- Also contains minimal vitamin K and vitamin B12.
ABC Senior Multivitamin Multi-Mineral Formula
This is another brand name but can commonly be found on sale. it contains similar amounts of vitamins to the other options, including 2500 IU of vitamin A, 500 IU of vitamin D, 30 mcg of vitamin K, 220 mg of calcium, and minimal amounts of other minerals. it absorbs well with no side effects. Seniors should seek additional calcium sources.
Highlights:
- High amount of Vitamin A, decent amount of vitamin D.
- Minimal amount of calcium.
- Commonly found on sale.
Mega Vita Min for Seniors, Timed Release
A very popular vitamin that comes at a high cost. It contains complete recommended daily values of Vitamin A, C, D, and E. On the other hand, it only contains 100 mg of calcium. Absorbs well with minimal side effects. Seek additional calcium elsewhere.
Highlights:
- 100% of the daily recommended value of vitamin A, C, D, and E.
- Minimal calcium.
- Expensive option.
Conclusion
While there are many multivitamins out there, be sure to read the labels to know what you are getting. Most vitamin supplements contain minimal calcium and no iron. These are important minerals that everyone should have in their diet.