Best Multivitamin For Seniors – Top 6 Healthy Choices

Getting old is obviously a part of life, but becoming a senior can certainly be more enjoyable than most people make it seem. It seems that the term “senior” has different meanings depending upon whom you ask, but it’s almost always regarded as individuals in the older half of the population, and usually people older than 60. 

Regardless of the exact definition of “senior”, one thing that can be agreed upon is that older adults generally have more health problems to worry about, which is why you see many older folks taking supplements specific for seniors.

As we age, we start to notice the physical changes that have been occurring gradually: thinning, graying hair, a little less muscle mass, a little more fat around the midsection, the need for reading glasses, wrinkled skin, and so on. And that’s not to mention the mental and cognitive effects that can occur too, such as brain fog, poorer memory, and less focus. 

As a result, there are many supplements out there that are promoted specifically for seniors to help reduce the effects of aging and to live a healthier and more vibrant life. 

Many older adults are taking a number of supplements, such as vitamin D, fish oil, calcium, and so on, with many choosing to use a complete multivitamin and mineral supplement to get more bang for their buck.

But which ones actually work the best and are actually worth purchasing? 

In this article, we’ll investigate the potential of multivitamin and mineral supplementation to counteract some of those age-related declines in older adults, and then give you our list of the top multivitamins for seniors. So let’s dive in and find out more about multivitamins and what the best multivitamin for seniors is!

Best Multivitamin for Seniors

And with all of this in mind, here are our top picks. Keep reading to learn how we chose them and what they can do for you. 

The Vitamin And Nutritional Supplement Business

In a Statista.com survey conducted in 2018, approximately 70 percent of the U.S. population stated that they used dietary supplements. And within the dietary supplement world, vitamins and minerals are the most frequently consumed. The vitamin and nutritional supplement business has revenues exceeding $32 billion in 2019.  Since 2007, household spending on nonprescription vitamins has nearly doubled from $46 to almost $80 annually.

Most respondents indicated that they take a multivitamin or a vitamin D supplement, but there are many others too of course. What was once an anomaly, taking supplements most definitely appears to be part of the norm today.

A lot of this has to do with the increased knowledge we have about proper nutrition and the role that nutrients play in not only preventing disease but optimizing health.

As we age, we become deficient in certain vitamins and minerals, and, for many older adults, the essential nutrients we derive from a balanced diet alone may not be enough.

Other growing areas of focus include preventative health, particularly for older adults. And this includes a trend toward more age-specific products that help with memory loss, physical performance, brain health, muscle retention, skincare, and more.

What Are Vitamins And Minerals?

So, what exactly are vitamins and minerals, and how can they help you?

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that our bodies need to develop and function normally. They are often called micronutrients because your body needs only tiny amounts of them. Yet failing to get even those small quantities creates nutrient deficiencies, which can virtually guarantee problems. Since your body produces only limited amounts of vitamins, you’re dependent on diet and supplementation to meet your daily requirements for these essential vitamins and minerals. 

There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored by the body. Since they are eliminated in the urine, we require a daily supply in our diet. The water-soluble vitamins include the vitamin B-complex group and vitamin C.

Fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, are stored in fat before they are absorbed into the bloodstream. Any excess of these vitamins is stored in the liver, and they are not necessarily needed every day. However, you have to be careful not to take in too much of these as they can lead to toxicity.

Of course, regardless of the form, it’s important to have a balance of all of these essential nutrients over time so that your body can function at its best.

Multivitamin/Multi-Mineral Supplements

Multivitamins and multi-minerals are the most frequently used dietary supplements in the natural products industry. Technically, a multivitamin is any supplement that contains more than one vitamin. In practice, most multivitamins contain a broad spectrum of vitamins and essential minerals.

People consider these complete multivitamin and mineral supplements a form of insurance against any potential deficiencies. Remember, multivitamins are a supplement; they supplement your dietary intake and should not take the place of eating a variety of healthy foods. A healthy diet provides far more than just vitamins and minerals.

Who Should Use These Supplements?

Who needs to supplement with a multivitamin/mineral supplement? Those who don’t get sufficient vitamins and minerals from their diet, who have certain medical conditions, and those with a vitamin deficiency, may benefit from taking a single-ingredient supplement or a multivitamin.

Since the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for vitamins and minerals differs by gender, we support multivitamins for seniors that are specifically formulated for men or women. 

Speaking of RDAs, please see the chart below of Vitamin and Mineral Recommended Daily Allowances as reprinted from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

A few definitions may aid you in reviewing the above:

• Mcg = microgram, or one-millionth of a gram
• IU = an International Unit

Vitamin And Mineral Deficiencies In Seniors 

Another thing to consider is why older adults have a particular need for vitamin and mineral supplementation. In fact, over 35 percent of all adults 65 and older have some deficiency, and many more have suboptimal levels of various vitamins and minerals. Some of the most common micronutrients that seniors are deficient in or have suboptimal levels of include:

• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Folate / Folic Acid
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• CoQ 10
• Fiber
• Omega 3s

Clinical Studies On Vitamin Deficiencies

Quoting the NCBI, the National Center for Biotechnology Information in laymen’s terms, we cite several studies which relate the importance of vitamin and mineral supplementation.

An Association Of Vitamins and Minerals with Disease

Evidence of associations between vitamins and disease states has been found for various vitamins and minerals. For example:

• In observational studies, people with a high intake of antioxidant vitamins through regular diet or as food supplements generally have a lower risk of significant chronic diseases, such as myocardial infarction or stroke, than people who are moderate consumers of antioxidant vitamins.
• Vitamin D is associated with a decreased occurrence of fractures when taken with calcium and magnesium
• B-Complex vitamin supplementation may decrease the risk of depression, anxiety, stress, and poor cognitive function as well as neurodegeneration
• Zinc and vitamin E seem to slow the progression of macular degeneration, but do not reduce the incidence.
• Vitamin E and lycopene may decrease the risk of prostate cancer.
• And these are just a few of many examples showing the relationship between vitamin and mineral status and health outcomes.

The Free Radical Theory Of Aging

Another thing to consider is how free radical damage contributes to the aging process. The Free Radical Theory of Aging proposed that damage to cellular mechanisms and tissues occurs because of damage resulting from oxidative stress on the organism due to free oxygen radicals. Endogenous oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA is thought to be a contributing factor in aging and the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and cataract formation.

There is a hypothesized effect, which relates to antioxidant vitamins and aging. Certain “antioxidant” compounds might “scavenge” these damaging free oxygen radicals and prevent cellular destruction and aging. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, often referred to as “antioxidant vitamins,” have been suggested to limit oxidative damage in humans and lower the risk of certain chronic diseases. And fish oil is another well-researched supplement known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits Of Multivitamins For Seniors

• Increases Nutrient Intake, particularly for those with poor diets
• May Help Prevent Chronic Diseases
• Enhances Energy
• Combats Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress
• Boosts Brain Function
• Promotes Eye Health

Many multivitamins and minerals also include condition-specific ingredients to address weight management, energy, stress reduction, cognition, and immunity support.

Recommended Dosages

We recommend one of two methods for proper dosing:

1. The simpler method is to follow the dosage guidelines on our Best of Supplements – the doses in these standard multivitamins are safe
2. Using the RDA chart, ensure you meet your requirements for vital nutrients through a combination of diet and supplementation

One word of caution on dosing; the appropriate dosage often depends on solubility. You will remember there are two types of vitamins:

• Water-soluble (B-vitamins, vitamin C) – your body expels excess amounts of these vitamins
• Fat-soluble – with no easy process to eliminate fat-soluble, excess amounts may accumulate over long periods. (Vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K). 

Best Multivitamin For Seniors

Alright, so now let’s get to the best multivitamin for seniors. As you’ll see, the most popular and best-selling brands do not necessarily make our Best of Multivitamin/Mineral list. Below is a chart listing the best-selling brands in the U.S. today, courtesy of Statista.com.

For our selection of the best Multivitamin supplements, we scoured the market for brands that adhere to the following principles:

• Products that are manufactured in a certified cGMP facility (Good Manufacturing Practices)
• We like and support a complete multivitamin and mineral supplement that is gender-specific
• We looked for companies and brands that have independent third-party testing and money-back guarantees
• The nutrients in each supplement are specifically geared towards older adults
• Our picks tend to be natural, allergen-free, and made without fillers, additives, or artificial colors

Ritual

Ritual is our top choice as the best multivitamin for seniors. Ritual produces a variety of vitamins and supplements, two of which are designed for those aged 50+. Essential for Men 50+ is their complete multivitamin and mineral supplement designed for men aged 50 years or older. Its ingredients include a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, and magnesium among others.

For women 50 years old or older, they have their Essential for Women 50+. This multivitamin includes ingredients such as vitamin D, E, B12, and K as well as folate and magnesium among other ingredients. Both multivitamins are vegan-friendly.

Rootine

One of our top choices for multivitamins for seniors is Rootine vitamins. Rootine vitamins are personalized vitamins that are prescribed in specific doses for your body. Rootine starts by having you take a test to tell about your lifestyle, any health data you have, and more. You can then view your results to see a detailed analysis of your nutrient and dosage requirements. From there Rootine will create a personalized supplement pack designed for the essential vitamins and minerals that your body specifically needs. Rootine makes use of your specific health information and genetic factors to provide you with a supplement pack that fits your lifestyle and needs. They include not only essential vitamins and minerals, but also other healthy compounds, such as CoQ10, MSM, and fatty acids, for a complete health supplement. Overall, this is likely the most individualized complete multivitamin and mineral supplement. 

Mega Men 50 Plus, from GNC

From the creator of GNC Mega Men Sport comes GNC’s Mega Men 50 Plus One Daily Multivitamin. This complete multivitamin/multimineral provides key nutrients for men’s health, such as heart, brain, eye, and bone health, plus over 20 vitamins and minerals.

It particularly stands out for its high concentrations of zinc, B-complex vitamins, and vitamin D, all of which are necessary for hormonal health and energy levels…things that many older men struggle with. The product also features essential ingredients for prostate health, such as saw palmetto berry extract, pumpkin seed meal, and lycopene, as well as ginkgo biloba extract to support mental sharpness.

It has been clinically studied to improve serum levels of micronutrients as well as improve vitality and mental health compared to placebo. 

GNC provides 100% or more of the RDA of more than 15 vitamins and minerals.

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Mature Multi, Adult 50 Plus from Kirkland Signature

Look at our Best-Selling Brands chart, and you will notice the largest brand is actually private label offerings. Mature Multi is our value pick in the private label world. Kirkland Signature is the private label for Costco products.

The Kirkland product is USP Verified, specially formulated with calcium to support bone health, teeth, and muscle health, and is fortified with lycopene and lutein, for additional vision support and antioxidant capacity.

This complete multivitamin and mineral pretty much has all of the vitamins and minerals you want, from vitamin C to manganese, to vitamin B12, and chromium, and on down the line. 

It is also free from artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, yeast, and gluten.

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Women Over 55 One Daily, from Mega Food

Another solid complete multivitamin and mineral supplement for women is Mega Food. Mega-Food meets all our criteria: Non-GMO, vegetarian, manufactured in a cGMP facility, third-party tested, dairy, and soy-free.

This product is made with real food, such as oranges, broccoli, and brown rice, to help you meet all of your nutritional needs. It is tailored specifically for a women’s needs with B-vitamins for energy, vitamin D to help maintain bone health, and beta carotene and vitamin C and vitamin E to aid immune health.

Gentle on the stomach – take one tablet any time of day, even on an empty stomach.

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Advanced Nutrients, from Thorne Research

Thorne is a highly regarded supplement company and its Advanced Nutrients supplement doesn’t sway from that high-quality and effectiveness. This multivitamin/mineral supplement is designed for aging Boomers, serious athletes, or those who need extra antioxidant support. The product is dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, with no artificial flavors.

This updated formula now includes nicotinamide riboside (niagen) to support healthy aging, neurological support, cognition support, liver support, and muscle support.

Plus, it has massive amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, and the B-complex vitamins to boost your body’s natural antioxidant mechanisms and energy pathways. It also contains resveratrol, quercetin, and bilberry, as well as solid amounts of vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.

Talk about a multivitamin for seniors that want to be at their best!

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Stacking Other Supplements With Multivitamins

The above products are an excellent base to meet your vitamin and mineral requirements. As with other supplements, adding to this base depends on your area of focus. For seniors, this might include products to address digestive health, brain health/cognitive function, bone health, eye health, or heart health.

As always, we recommend consulting with your medical professional before adding any vitamin or mineral supplement. This is especially important for individuals with medical conditions or those on prescription medicines, as these products have the potential to interact with medications. You should also advise your pharmacist when initiating a multivitamin/mineral regimen.

Whole Foods: Nature’s Multivitamin and Multi-mineral

Before ending this, we also wanted to give you a jumpstart on the foods you should include in addition to your supplements. After all, most medical and nutrition experts agree that the best way to get the vitamins and minerals we need is through a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as nuts, meat, eggs, fish, and dairy. Essentially, you want a wide variety of food groups to ensure proper nutrition and that you get all the vitamins and minerals you need. Below is a recommended selection of nutrient-dense foods for your consideration:

• Avocados
• Bell Peppers
• Lean Beef
• Berries
• Brown Rice
• Brussels Sprouts
• Chicken
• Fish and Shellfish
• Mushrooms
• Sweet Potatoes
• Cantaloupe
• Yogurt
• Eggs
• Seeds
• Turkey
• Lentils
• Nuts
• Oats
• Spinach
• Apples

Wrapping it Up

If your diet has too little of any vitamin or mineral, multivitamins are a great, low-cost way to protect yourself against vitamin deficiencies – it’s like an affordable insurance policy. And fortunately, there are specific multivitamin and mineral supplements targeted directly at seniors due to their selective ingredients and inclusion of additional ingredients that help ward off age-related diseases.

Even if you have a so-called healthy diet, you almost certainly have suboptimal levels of at least one or two nutrients, so taking a multivitamin geared towards your situation is the perfect complement to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Now, go forth and turn back the clock on aging!