The Best Vitamins for the

Elderly During Winter

Days are passing, and we are heading towards winter. Most of us are worried about how to keep
ourselves healthy during winter. Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic is a growing concern and
the rate of infection increases during winter. The elderly are among the most vulnerable groups
to both common diseases and Covid-19. In this regard, healthcare specialists believe that using
various vitamins can help us. Many multivitamin supplements are available in the market that the
elderly can choose from; however, they can get their needed vitamins from different food
choices. In today's Living Maples article, we will introduce some of the best vitamins for the
elderly. They can guarantee our lovely seniors' health during the cold days of winter. Hence, stay
tuned and add the following vitamins to the elder's diet to have healthier and happier days ahead.

Vitamin B

Studies have proved that vitamin B is one of the best vitamins for the elderly and it has diverse
advantages for the body since it can enhance the immune system. There is a group of B vitamins,
each of which has remarkable effects on the body.
Vitamin B1 is essential for better functioning of the heart, while Vitamin B6 helps the
metabolism of glycogen and protein. The other vitamins in the B category, such as B2, B3, B5,
and B12, are known to reduce fatigue. Furthermore, they have energizing effects on the body. It
should also be noted that B12 is an essential vitamin to be used during the winter months.
Depression is one of the most common issues that the elderly are dealing with. Hence, adding
vitamin B12 to their diet can positively affect their mood and improve their brain's functioning.

Some people have difficulty eating certain foods and prefer to take b6 b12 supplements in
consultation with their doctor to get B vitamins. But do not forget to take these supplements
without consulting your doctor, as they may have side effects for you.

The elderly can get the required amount of B vitamins through trending diets for seniors. Whole
grains, legumes, red meats, and leafy greens are among the abundant sources of B vitamins.
Hence, seniors can ensure their health and wellbeing during winter by using these vitamins.

B12 Supplements

A rich source of vitamin B12 is grass-fed meat and dairy products, salmon, naturally raised
poultry, their eggs, and the meat of internal organs of livestock (like black liver). According to
the US National Institutes of Health, plants do not naturally contain vitamin B12, and fortified
plant foods do.
Vitamin B12 can be found in edible yeast, fortified cereal products, and seaweed to some extent.
Despite this, these foods do not absorb as well as animal products.
Vitamin C

The list of vitamins for the elderly should use during winter is incomplete without mentioning
Vitamin C. This essential vitamin is also known as Ascorbic Acid and is among the best vitamins.
Vitamin C has antioxidant qualities and can improve the immune system's ability to fight against
free radicals. Our bodies are not able to produce vitamin C, so the diet should provide it. As said
earlier, diseases such as cold, flu, etc., become widespread when the cold weather of the winter
kicks in. The anti-viral qualities of this vitamin can help the elderly vigorously fight against viral
infections.

Getting the required amount of vitamin C through Broccoli, sweet potato, citrus fruits, and
strawberries are essential to ensure the immune system's healthy functioning during winter. If the
elderly cannot have fruits and foods rich in vitamin C, they can use supplements available at
drugstores and provide the daily requirement of the elderly body to Vitamin C.

Vitamin D

"The vitamin of the sunshine" is another name for vitamin D and our bodies need vitamin D for
healthy functioning. Recent studies on the effects of vitamin D on the elderly have shown that it
influences their immune response. A low amount of this vitamin predisposes the elderly to
various infections. Exposure to sunlight provides the majority of vitamin D required for the body.
However, the lack of sunny days and the susceptibility of seniors to colds decreases vitamin D
during winter. Since it is one of the essential vitamins for the elderly, its lack can lead to
symptoms such as fatigue and weakness of the muscles.
Foods rich in natural vitamin D as fish, eggs, cheese, milk, butter, mushrooms, canned sardines.

Seniors can get the required amount of Vitamin D through oily fish, mushrooms, and dairy
products. The amount of vitamin D in these foods is low, and the elderly might need vitamin D
supplements to satisfy their daily needs. Excessive amounts of vitamin D can increase calcium
absorption and create life-threatening symptoms.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is not an essential vitamin, and rarely do people face vitamin E deficiency. Still, it is
on our list of the best vitamins for the elderly in winter. The cold weather of the winter can dry
our skin, and vitamin E can increase the skin's water-holding capacity. Hence it increases its
softness and resiliency. Vitamin E lotions are also available on the market, and they are the best
choices for supplementing the skin of the elderly.

Vitamin A

Like vitamin E, this vitamin is essential for the health of skin and mucous membranes (eyes,
respiratory tract, intestines), which are at the forefront of fighting bacteria and viruses. This
vitamin is present in the form of beta-carotene in plants. Various studies have shown the positive
effects of antioxidants such as vitamin A on health, longevity, strengthening the immune system,
and cell growth. Nutritionists and doctors recommend that the elderly use fruits, vegetables, and
natural foods instead of supplements to get vitamin A. Broccoli, butter, and carrots are the main
sources of vitamin A.

Iron

Many people worldwide are suffering from iron deficiency, and it is much severe in the elderly
and can cause problems in the body's production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin has the role of
transferring oxygen to various tissues, and it is essential for our healthy functioning. You might
ask about the benefits of iron during winter. Iron is responsible for regulating the body
temperature, and it can help you overcome the coldness of winter by keeping your body warm.
Its deficiency can also cause tiredness, cold hands and feet, and brittle nails. Iron can be provided
by taking supplements or adding lentils, beans, leafy green, and red meat to the current diet of
the elderly.

Omega 3

It is not a vitamin, but it plays an essential role in elderly health during winter. Omega-3 fatty
acids maintain adequate levels of blood fats or HDL. Most of the elderly are suffering from joint
disorders. The severity of these disorders increases during the winter, while omega-3 reduces
joint pain and stiffness, osteoarthritis symptoms, and rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 is a
supplement that should be present in the supplements list of the elderly all over the year, and it is
a must during winter due to its anti-inflammatory effects. As said earlier, omega-3 also benefits
the joint health of the elderly, so it is excellent protection against falls in snowy winters. Better
functioning of the brain and concentration are among the other benefits of omega-3
supplements.

Zinc

Like omega 3, zinc is not considered a vitamin. In the cold season, the possibility of many viral
diseases and colds increases because usually, in this season, the immune system is weakened.
Eating foods that contain zinc is perfect for improving the immune system, maintaining energy,
and keeping the body of the elderly healthy.
Healthy product sources of zinc.

In winter, zinc is an essential element for boosting the body's immunity and energy. It is also a
necessary element for the health of the whole body. With zinc deficiency, the body becomes
weak, and the person feels tired and bored during the day. Also, zinc deficiency causes pimples,
skin burns, and dry skin. Colds, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, respiratory or
gastrointestinal infections, stunted growth, diarrhea, and night blindness are other zinc deficiency
symptoms. If these problems are not taken seriously, the immune system may become
completely weak, posing a severe threat to the health of the elderly. Some of the foods
containing zinc are sesame, egg, mushroom, and peanut.

Mineral Supplements

Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that the body of the elderly and other people needs to
function properly. Among the essential minerals necessary for the elderly are calcium, sodium,
iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc.

In the table below, you can see the required consumption of these minerals for men and women
over fifty years.

The recommended amount for women over 50 The recommended amount for men over 50
Minerals
years years
 1200 mg per day (70-51 years) 1000 mg per day (70-51 years)
Calcium
1200 mg per day (over 70 years) 1200 mg per day (over 70 years)

1.5 grams per day (equivalent to half a 1.5 grams per day (equivalent to half a
Sodium
teaspoon) teaspoon)

Iron 8 mg per day 8 mg per day

Potassium 2.6 grams per day 3.4 grams per day

Zinc 8 mg per day 11 mg per day

Magnesium 320 mg per day 420 mg per day

Are Daily Vitamins Good for You?

In old age, people face many vitamin deficiencies that they need to be aware of to consume.
Fluid intake in the elderly should be sufficient. Symptoms of dehydration in many older people
may include dry lips, sunken eyes, fever, constipation, decreased urine volume, and nausea. This
issue is especially happening for the elderly who live in hot areas.
Most seniors are very interested in taking vitamin supplements to treat the signs of vitamin
deficiency, but you should avoid taking too many of these supplements. The deficiency of water-
soluble vitamins is often not seen in the elderly, except in the elderly who are malnourished.

Final Words

Vitamins are necessary to use during winter, but they should be in our diet the whole year. They
can improve our immune system, keep us warm, and prevent various diseases during the cold
weather of the winter. A healthy diet should provide vitamins, and dietary supplements cannot
replace a healthy diet. It is advisable to consult a doctor to get proper suggestions about using the
best multivitamins during winter.