Getting all of the daily vitamins and nutrients you need from food doesn’t happen on a day to day basis. Unless your diet is perfect, you’re going to need some help in reaching the recommended daily amount. There are probably a few vitamins that you’re not getting in your body, especially if you’re over the age of 50.

• Calcium – If you don’t have at least three servings of dairy per day then you’re probably not getting enough calcium. In this instance, your body will take calcium from your bones which can later lead to osteoporosis.
• Vitamin D – Without vitamin D your body won’t be able to absorb the calcium in your body which will lead to weak bones. The proper dosage of this vitamin will also decrease your risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Be sure to also get your daily dose of sunlight because your body will produce vitamin D when your skin is in the sun.
• Vitamin B12 – With age, your body will produce less stomach acid, or you may be taking a medication that blocks the production of it. Since stomach acid extracts vitamin B12 from food, your body could be deficient of this nutrient. Those with celiac or Crohn’s disease should monitor their B12 levels.
• Magnesium – A lack of magnesium in the body can hinder the process of over 300 different bodily functions. It will also lead to an abnormal heart rate and high blood sugar. Try to stay away from foods with a lot of sugar because they will slow the absorption rate of magnesium.
• Zinc – When your body is deficient of zinc your immunity to illness will decrease but too much can also decrease immunity. The magic number is right around 10 mg per day, without ever going over 40 mg per day. Those with diabetes, liver, and kidney conditions should look to supplement their body with zinc.

After the age of 50, it is extremely important to supply your body with the right amount of the right vitamins and nutrients. Luckily, the residents at The Arbors Assisted Living community have medication management available to keep track of their daily intake of medication and vitamin supplements. Are you interested in seeing more of the community at The Arbors? Learn more, or schedule a tour, by contacting one of our five convenient locations:

Bohemia
Hauppauge
Islandia East
Islandia West
Westbury