As you age, you change — and so do your nutritional needs.
In your 40s and 50s, your body doesn’t work in the same way it did when you were 20 — and that’s okay. However, it does mean that you need to provide it with the correct nutrients to help it work optimally.
So which vitamins and supplements should you take in your 40s and 50s? While the exact answer will be unique for each individual, we’ve covered some important nutrients you should pay attention to as you age.
Let’s take a look at some important nutrients you need in your 40s and 50s.
1. COLLAGEN AND HYALURONIC ACID
As you age, you’ll probably notice two things: your skin doesn’t look the same as it did when you were younger, and your joints don’t move as easily.
After the age of 20, you produce about 1 percent less collagen in the skin every year. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile with age. Your sweat and oil glands also do not function as well, and your skin produces less elastin. All of these contribute to wrinkles or sagging skin.
Your joints may become stiffer and less flexible because the amount of lubricating fluid inside your joints decreases, and the cartilage becomes thinner.2
Taking a collagen and/or hyaluronic acid supplement can help support healthy, youthful skin and joint health so that you can continue to feel your best and move easily.
2. CALCIUM
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with 99% of it found in bones and teeth. However, as you age, you begin to lose more bone than you build. Bones become more fragile and brittle, and the calcium stores gradually deplete.
Taking a calcium supplement is one of the easiest ways to promote bone health as you age. Magnesium and vitamin D help the body absorb calcium and can also help promote bone health.
3. VITAMIN B12
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and is involved with DNA synthesis and renewal. It’s primarily found in animal foods and is added to some fortified foods.
As you get older, your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 significantly decreases. More than 20% of older adults may not be getting enough vitamin B12.
4. CURCUMIN
Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory compound that can offer a variety of benefits for the body, especially as you age. Curcumin can help support immune health, joint health, and even brain health.
5. OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Essential fatty acids are “good fats” that must be provided by food or supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important for supporting cardiovascular health.
Aging can cause significant changes to your heart and blood vessels. Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain heart and blood circulation and promote good cardiovascular health.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for joint health which is also likely to decrease with age.
Conclusion
Your nutritional needs in your 40s and 50s are as unique as ever. Taking vitamins and supplements such as collagen and hyaluronic acid, calcium, vitamin B12, curcumin, and omega-3 fatty acids can help you feel your best.
