Feel your best at every age, here are the best vitamins for women in their 40’s and 50’s.
Taking vitamins and supplements is a great way to boost your nutrition at any age. But choosing the right supplements is often overwhelming–there are a lot of options out there. Among the many options, each can play a number of roles in the body and touts various health benefits. Depending on your diet, lifestyle, routine and life stage, some supplements will hold distinct advantages over others.
To quickly give you a lay of the land: there are 13 vitamins and 16 minerals that are necessary for the body to function optimally. In addition, there are other sources of nutritional and health support with potential benefits, like fish oil or herbal supplements.
Women in their 30s, 40s, or 50s have very different biological needs, and often have unique goals related to their health, as well. We understand that choosing the most appropriate vitamins and supplements can be a daunting decision, so we’ve done the research to break down which vitamins and supplements are priorities at the various stages of life.
The best vitamins and supplements for women in their 40s
1. Fish oil
Women in their 40s generally have a unique set of nutritional needs. Women at this stage are preparing to enter perimenopause, the stage that precedes menopause, and may start to experience hot flashes. Fish oil, which contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids, is a great supplement to support overall health during this time. It also supports heart and brain health, both of which are essential for maintaining well-being beyond the 30s.
Dr. Gladd advises that not all fish oils are equal. “When looking for fish oil, be sure to opt for wild-caught fish sources and versions tested to be free of mercury and other toxic components.”
2. Vitamin B-Complex
A vitamin B-complex is made up of 8 vitamins — thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), vitamin B6, biotin (B7), vitamin B12, and folic acid. These B vitamins work together and individually to support mood, digestion, sleep health, and likely a welcome boost of energy since they help convert food into fuel. They also support the cardiovascular system and can help maintain nail, hair, and skin health.
The best vitamins and supplements for women in their 50s
Vitamins and supplements can help support health through menopause. For women in their 50s, menopause is often a significant change that affects the body. High priority supplements for women in their 50s include vitamin D, calcium, turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids.
1. Vitamin D and Calcium
Vitamin D is an especially important vitamin for women in their 50s. By helping the body absorb calcium from food, vitamin D helps promote bone health. Taking vitamin D in conjunction with calcium can help support and maintain healthy bones.
2. Black Cohosh
It can be stressful to try and determine which supplements are helpful during menopause that won’t cause side effects or affect your health negatively. Black Cohosh is often a recommended supplement because it may offer benefits such as supporting healthy aging and hormone support.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is another great supplement for women in their 50s. Turmeric supplements are made from turmeric root, a plant grown in India and other regions. Turmeric is a yellow spice commonly used in Indian food, like curries, and has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. It is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to support joint health and likely supports brain health.
Nutritional supplements support a healthy lifestyle
Nutritional supplementation, along with certain herbal products, can be an integral part of your health regimen. However, to be truly healthy as you age, it’s important to maintain the traditional pillars of wellness: a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
Whatever your age, it is important to pay attention to your body’s needs as they evolve and to understand the unique factors influencing your health. If you do decide to take supplements to help achieve your health goals, select those made from the highest quality ingredients possible.
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