What supplements are highly recommended for older adults?

Question

Hi doctor,

I want to know about the supplements or vitamins highly recommended for elderly persons of more than 65 years of age in both men and women. My father is a smoker and alcoholic. My mother suffers from back or groin pain. She uses to have a massage or painkillers. She cannot keep her fingers straight. Both of them suffer from pain in their joints. They are unable to sleep. I told them to take fish oil. Kindly suggest some supplements or vitamins to be taken with it.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common causes of joint and body pain. It can further lead to calcium deficiency. Taking fish oil in the diet helps a lot. I suggest your parents to do some blood tests to rule out the cause behind these persistent aches in joints. Hypothyroidism can cause a lack of sleep and pain. Kindly do thyroid tests. If they are unable to do blood tests now, they can safely start taking calcium and Vitamin B complex tablets along with diet. Give supplements along with food preferably at night time. Calcium supplements can be taken to a diet with a dose of 500 mg per day and if it is well-tolerated, then it can be increased to 1000 mg per day. B complex vitamins can be taken at a different time along with fruits or snacks.