For people of all ages, getting the right nutrients through a healthy diet is the preferable method, but that task can be difficult for the elderly. Some people of advanced ages live on advanced income, have decreased appetites, or find it hard to eat balanced meals. Some older individuals don’t know how to cook healthy food, or don’t have the motivation to do so. Some may experience the negative effects of ill-fitting dentures, which can make it very hard to eat. 

Nutrients Seniors Need

When this is the case, a liquid multivitamin for seniors can help. Seniors should keep an eye on their calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, potassium, and fiber intake (1), and ask their doctor whether they could benefit more from a specific supplement or a multivitamin. 

There are ways that seniors can boost their vitamin intake through their diet, for example fortified milk and yogurt are good sources of calcium and vitamin D, and lean meat, some fish and other seafood are known for their vitamin B12 content. There are certain fruits and vegetables that are helpful in providing potassium and fiber. 

Beneficial Supplements

If it is not possible for a senior to get such nutrients from food, here are five supplements that they can discuss with their doctor (2): 

1. Vitamin D can be helpful, especially if an older person is not capable of moving around as much as they once used to. It used to be commonly recommended to prevent falls, but now leading an active lifestyle is recommended in its place. But it’s important to remember that it is not physically possible for everyone to be active, so vitamin D supplements could help - along with spending time in the sun!
2. Vitamin B12 can be helpful for seniors because it helps to keep nerves and blood cells healthy. It also protects the body from a certain type of anemia that can make you feel fatigued. In order for the body to absorb vitamin B12, it uses stomach acid. Seniors who take acid reflux medication or blood sugar medication, two medications that affect the stomach acid, may need more vitamin B12. 
3. In many cases, adults over 50 need more calcium incorporated into their diets. This can come via a supplement, or through foods like dairy, canned fish, and dark, leafy greens. 
4. Vitamin B6 is another nutrient that many seniors lack. It helps to protect the nerves and forms red blood cells, much like vitamin B12. You can get this nutrient through a supplement or in potatoes, bananas, and chicken. 
5. ALCAR (or acetyl-L-carnitine) is integral to mitochondrial function, and in some cases it has been linked to fighting age-related fatigue and cognitive decline. Taking this supplement may help those who experience mild cognitive impairment or those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. 

Liquid Multivitamins for Seniors

When it comes to a multivitamin that can benefit seniors, it will most likely be one that contains a multivitamin and a multimineral. While a standalone multivitamin can be helpful to fill in the gaps of a senior’s diet with nutrients that they are not receiving from food, an added multimineral can also add a layer of, you guessed it - minerals. 

There are two types of minerals: macrominerals and microminerals. Macrominerals are what the body needs a larger quantity of, and microminerals are needed in smaller amounts. The macrominerals that can benefit seniors include calcium, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, and sodium. The microminerals that can benefit their systems are chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, selenium, and zinc (3). 

The best liquid multivitamin for seniors will contain not only the multivitamin itself - but also macrominerals and microminerals to make sure that a person of advanced age is getting all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that they need to thrive. 

One of the best options for a liquid multivitamin and mineral is Country Life Multivitamin and Mineral Complex. It comes in a natural mango flavor and contains calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, and chromium. 

Another great choice is Mega Premium Multi-Vitamin, which contains minerals like iron, selenium, and chromium. 

Another popular choice for seniors is MaryRuth’s Liquid Morning Multivitamin. This is a healthy and organic choice made with zero sugar, dairy, fat, soy, or gluten. But it does contain beneficial ingredients like zinc and chromium. This is one of the top brands regarding multivitamins and minerals that benefit seniors, especially those who are diabetic. 

And, of course, there is our brand of liquid supplement here at BetterFamily. We offer Liquid Daily, which can be customized to your exact household - including a tailored dose for seniors. Our ingredients include vitamin A, B6, E, B1, B7, B9, B2, K, B3, B12, B5, D, selenium, iodine, zinc, silicon dioxide, and organic fruit blend for taste. 

Resources

1. Doheny, Kathleen. "Do Older Adults Need Vitamins, Supplements?" Compass by WebMD, 30 Nov. 2012, www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20121130/older-adults-vitamins-supplements#1.
2. Brody, Barbara. "The Only 5 Supplements Older Adults Need to Know." Silver Sneakers, 10 May 2018, www.silversneakers.com/blog/supplements-older-adults-need-know/#:~:text=.
3. Johnson, Larry E. "Overview of Minerals." Merck Manual, Dec. 2021, www.merckmanuals.com/home/disorders-of-nutrition/minerals/overview-of-minerals.