1. Vitamin D
When it comes to maintaining a healthy body over 40, we can’t forget about the importance of bone health–and that’s why Vitamin D is essential. Gervacio notes that this vitamin “works with calcium to make the bones strong.” While we get it naturally from the sun and certain foods, it’s safe to say that we don’t all get as much sun exposure as we should, and, as she points out, “Dietary food sources, on the other hand, aren't efficiently absorbed by the body as compared to the sun.” For this reason, taking Vitamin D as a supplement can be extremely helpful in ensuring you’re getting enough of it. “That's why supplements are usually prescribed especially for people over 40s since there is a need for it to prevent brittle and weak bones,” Gervacio explains.
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2. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is another supplement that can do wonders for both your body and your brain. “This vitamin is essential for nerve function and it is the most commonly prescribed vitamin when people reach their 40s," Gervacio tells us. So, what exactly makes it so important as we age? She says it comes down to the fact that it helps maintain blood health and brain function: “It is needed for creating red blood cells and DNA," she explains. Deficiencies in this vitamin have been linked to issues like memory loss, inflammation, depression, and more. And while there are plenty of ways to get B12 through your diet (like fish, eggs, and fortified milks), our bodies aren’t always able to absorb it easily. “The absorption of Vitamin B12 gets less efficient as we age, so this vitamin is very important to maintain overall health,” Gervacio says. Noted!
The bottom line
Of course, there are so many vitamins and minerals that are essential to our overall health. The best thing to do in order to maintain healthy levels of nutrients is to maintain a balanced diet, and beyond that, the best supplements for you will depend on your specific needs and/or deficiencies. However, B12 and Vitamin D are two of the most important vitamins to consider as you grow older–and taking a daily supplement of each definitely won’t hurt.
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