7 Best Vitamins For Women Over 50

Food, Nutrition, Supplements

By: // January 10, 2022


Women over 50 are prone to nutrient deficiencies. The good news is vitamins for women over 50 have come a long way. 

Aging is a beautiful experience but it frankly comes with some tough pills to swallow. You’re likely well-acquainted with several of aging’s less than pleasant side effects, but one you might not be aware of is the decrease in stomach acid that happens as you get older.

Due to less stomach acid, your body is not able to absorb nutrients as well as it used to. This in combination with a decreased need for as many calories can cause nutritional deficiencies.

If you’re over the age of 50, it’s very important to eat a healthy diet rich in whole foods, fruits and vegetables (the best way to get nutrients!) but it also may be necessary to supplement with additional vitamins.

Below, we cover the best vitamins and multivitamins for women over 50.

Best Vitamins for Women Over 50 

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D can be absorbed in our bodies when we’re in the sunshine, however, it’s not the most reliable source since we need to protect our skin from the sun by using sunscreen and many people live in climates where there is little sun during the winter months.

While great food sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, fatty fish, and fortified foods like milk, less than 10 percent of women over the age of 50 get the recommended amount through food according to Michael F. Holick, MD, PhD.

The benefits of getting enough vitamin D, however, include reducing your risk of developing colon, breast, and esophageal cancers by 30 to 50 percent.

How Much Vitamin D3 Should a Woman Over 50 Take?

It is recommended for people 50 to 70 years old to get 15 mcg daily (600 IU) daily, and those over 70 should get 20 mcg daily (800 IU).

So which vitamin D should you take? I recommend Metagenics Vitamin D3.

Related: Supplements and Multivitamins 101: Everything You Need To Know

2. Calcium

Calcium is known as the bone health super vitamin. With age comes the breaking down of bone tissue faster than it can be built, which makes this mineral vital for maintaining the normal functioning of muscles and nerves.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation says that more than two million broken bones occur in the U.S. due to osteoporosis, and for women, this is greater than that of heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer combined.

How much calcium should women take after 50?

While you can get your calcium from yogurt, cheese, almonds, tofu, and green leafy vegetables, a dose of up to 500 mg twice a day may also be necessary.

Which calcium supplement should women take?

I recommend Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3.

Tip: You don’t need to take an additional vitamin D supplement if it’s included in your calcium supplement. Calcium and Vitamin D often come paired in the same vitamin.

3. Magnesium

Do you suffer from leg cramps, fatigue, migraines, sleep issues, anxiety, or high blood pressure? If you have one or more of these symptoms you could be one of many Americans that are deficient in magnesium!

As you age, your body is less capable of absorbing magnesium from food, making magnesium deficiency more common in older adults than younger ones, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination.

How much magnesium should women take over 50?

Taking a multivitamin with up to 350 mg of magnesium can significantly lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and even lower your blood pressure.

Which magnesium supplement is best for over 50?

Which magnesium supplement should you take? I recommend: Magnesium Glycinate

4. B Vitamins

photo of white pills in dish

B vitamins are incredibly powerful and full of health benefits.

Studies have shown the importance of adequate vitamin B intake during menopause. A study published in 2018 by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health concluded that “cardiovascular diseases and stroke, as well as cognitive declines resulting in dementia or Alzheimer’s, are among the several consequences of the insufficient concentration of vitamins from the B group.”

Furthermore, between 10 and 30 percent of older Americans are incapable of absorbing B12 from food because the acid in your stomach diminishes.

A multivitamin of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 is a healthful combo (more on multivitamins below).

Which vitamin B should you take? I recommend: Nature Made Super B-Complex

5. Collagen

photo of Vital Proteins with coffee up on table

One of the main building blocks of the body, collagen makes up about 30 percent of your total body protein and 75 percent of your skin.

While your body naturally produces it, collagen production begins to decline over 50 and in postmenopausal women.

Collagen supports skin elasticity while keeping it supple and firm. It also makes your nails strong and shiny. By the age of 50, a woman may have lost up to half of the collagen in her skin, but taking collagen supplements can slow down and prevent the loss of further collagen.

So how much collagen should a 50-year-old woman take?

Let’s break it down. There are two forms of collagen supplements: hydrolyzed collagen and undenatured type II collagen.

  • The recommended supplement intake of hydrolyzed collagen is 10g a day.
  • The recommended intake of undenatured type II collagen is 40mg a day.

We also love taking collagen in the form of powder which can be added to smoothies!

Which collagen supplement should you take?

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is one of the best collagen powders for women over 50 because it is sourced from grass-fed pasture-raised cows which means it’s sustainable and clean. Plus, Jennifer Aniston – who is beautiful at age 52 – is a Vital Proteins spokesmodel!

We also like NeoCell collagen powder for women over 50 because it has very few extra ingredients like soy, corn, starch, or yeast.

For women over 50 extra additives can wreak havoc on hormones and even exacerbate belly weight.

6. Omega-3s

Getting enough omega-3s is important in preventing irregular heartbeats, plaque buildup in the arteries, inflammation, and high blood sugar.

Good food sources are flaxseed oil, salmon, walnuts, and edamame. Omega-3s protect aging women against osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.

The recommended dose is 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA omega-3s per day.

Which omega-3 supplement should I take? Try: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

Avocado

7. Vitamin C

photo of orange juice in glass

Vitamin C may be the most well-known supplement that people reach for and for good reason!

Vitamin C is good for immunity, reduces inflammation, can benefit the aging process by reducing wrinkles, lowers your risk of stroke, and reduces the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

And as health “miracles” go, it’s pretty cheap. It’s also water-soluble meaning your body uses the amount it needs and rids itself of any excess through urine.

How much vitamin C should you take over 50?

The RDA of vitamin C is 75-90 milligrams a day for adults, however many argue for a higher number. In fact, research by Mark Moyad, MD, recommends 500 milligrams a day in addition to five servings of fruit and vegetables.

Which vitamin C supplement should you take over 50?

Try: Activated C Food Complex

Best Multivitamins For Women Over 50

A multivitamin for women over 50 is a must. For a lot of people, taking a single pill might be easier than taking all sorts of different supplements separately. So a multivitamin for women could be a good option if it has the right vitamins and minerals.

Women over the age of 50 need to focus on specific nutrients in a multivitamin because the body changes and nutrient requirements change too.

You should also check the label of your multivitamin to ensure it doesn’t contain more than 100% of most ingredients. Vitamins and minerals can be toxic at high levels, so it’s best to stick to the recommended daily allowance.

The best multivitamin for women over 50 is one that covers several bases. Make sure your multivitamin has the following: Vitamins A, Vitamin B12, C, and D. Most multivitamins have all of these in them but it’s best to check your label before you buy. Calcium for women is important in a multivitamin over 50 as well to preserve bone health.

When looking for the best multivitamin over 50, it’s wise to do some research. Know which vitamins you specifically want? Make sure they’re in your multivitamin at the dosage you’re looking for.

And since dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, it’s important to trust the brand that you’re choosing as well. Not all multivitamins for women are created equal which is why a quality brand is important.

Another great option is to take a multivitamin and then supplement with an additional vitamin you might be looking for or a higher dosage.

Looking for a specific multivitamin to take over 50? I personally like the New Chapter brand. Their whole-food fermented women’s multivitamin is made with quality ingredients and fermented for better absorption.

What supplements should postmenopausal women take?

Research shows that women in menopause can be deficient in several key vitamins and minerals.

Some of the most important nutrients are calcium, iron, and magnesium. Supplements can provide these key vitamins minus any side effects or negative interactions with other medications that may be taken for menopause-related symptoms.

The type of supplements a woman in menopause should take will depend on her individual needs as well as personal preferences. It’s absolutely essential to speak with a healthcare provider before adding any vitamin or supplement into your health routine.

  • Women going through premenopause or menopause may find that flaxseed and flaxseed oil give modest relief to some of their minor symptoms.
  • A few studies have found evidence that different types of ginseng might help improve the quality of life during menopause. Ginseng is shown to improve mood and increase sleep.

Bonus: Want to make even more of a difference for your health? In addition to eating healthy and taking your vitamins, try these 8 amazing strength moves for women over 50.

READ THIS NEXT: How to Increase Your Metabolism After 50

 


Printed from GetHealthyU.com

37 Comments


on June 20, 2022 at 6:45 AM Reply

I've used PureHealth Research liver health formula supplements and my liver health increased a lot. Anyways, thank you for this article, really helpful.


on June 15, 2022 at 7:14 AM Reply

An excellent guide to the world of vitamins for the audience! +1 fact that may be useful for forgetful people (like me) and not mentioned in the article: Vitamin D3 is one of the micronutrients that can be taken once in huge up to 50,000 IUs instead of 1000-2000 IUs daily. For example, I have Wellabs Vitamin D3. In one portion, 10000 IU. Accordingly, a single such portion will cover the need for daily intake from up to 10 days. Comfortable!


on March 21, 2022 at 12:08 PM Reply

Chris Freytag, can you tell me what multi-vitamin you recommend I'm 53 but would like to just take one in all, thank you I'm actually 53 and have lots of leg pain, nights mostly!


    on April 6, 2022 at 2:02 PM Reply

    Hi Mary - for the leg pain at night, have you tried taking magnesium. This is something that I know a lot of women take, and I take especially when I am putting my body under a lot of stress. For instance on a week when I am doing a lot of workouts and know my body is going to be sore, I take magnesium to help with the pain. Hope this helps!


on November 8, 2021 at 8:26 AM Reply

Is there a multivitamin that has all these vitamins in it?? I’m 53 and am having lots of muscle pain. I’ve also had a complete hysterectomy when I was 28.


    on November 16, 2021 at 11:57 AM Reply

    Hi Trina - Here is the multi-vitamin that I prefer to use: https://amzn.to/3HrO6Jm The only thing that will not be in that multi-vitamin is collagen, which typically will need to be taken separately. That often is not in a multi-vitamin. If you're looking for collagen to take, I either take the pill form (NeoCell) or Vital Proteins and I throw it in my smoothies!


on May 3, 2021 at 6:29 AM Reply

Hi I’m 53 and my hair is thinning on top. Will collagen supplements help with this? Thanks


    on May 3, 2021 at 6:58 PM Reply

    Well - Collagen will help with skin- helps hair feel shinny, healthier - but ... Not sure how much it can help with thinning hair - Biotin is good for hair - and there are certain products made just for hair thinning on the market - I just don't know about them.


on January 10, 2021 at 8:16 AM Reply

I was interested reading these posts.. I’m 45 and been looking at weight loss and general health after gaining unwanted pounds during Covid. I take 4 supplements and find that they cover the above if it helps?? I take collagen in the morning in orange juice, the other 3 with either lunch or dinner... I take cardioace, osteocare both by vitabiotics. Then bioglan krill oil and liquid collagen by absolute collagen (Maxine Laceby). All available on Amazon xx


on December 5, 2020 at 8:35 AM Reply

Hello I am trying to findout about taking collegan, ill be 52 next week & want to help my skin esp on my face & neck its the only part I cant workout to change. Any advice?


    on December 9, 2020 at 9:05 PM Reply

    Hi Angel - collagen is great to take for hair, skin and nails! I personally take collagen pills every night before bed. They sit on my counter in my bathroom and I take once a day! This is the brand that I love to use: https://amzn.to/370urje


on August 8, 2020 at 7:28 PM Reply

I'm a 62 year old female. I don't take any vitamins. I think it's time to start. I was Surfing the net for companies that provide quality vitamins. I found this company that stated it's better to take Capsules, powder or liquid. Is this true? Quantum. I'm also confused, I'm 62, I stopped my Menstrual at the age of 60. When I look for vitamins for women over 55, fine print always mention Menopause. I'm not Experiencing hot flashes at this time and don't want to bring it on. Any assist would be greatly appreciated.


on March 31, 2020 at 9:19 AM Reply

I am 51 years old. I don't take any medication and healthy. I think I should start taking vitamins and supplements, but it seems like a lot of pills to swallow. You recommend taking all of these and at one time?


    on April 13, 2020 at 3:08 PM Reply

    Hi Amber - no, you don't need to take all of these at one time. These are just 7 supplements we often recommend to women over 50. However, you can talk with your doctor about which ones you might specifically need!


on March 2, 2019 at 9:53 AM Reply

I am 63 yrs females with hypothyroid on meds. so please tell me what I can take with my thyroid meds.


    on March 4, 2019 at 4:03 PM Reply

    Hi Sandy - I am sorry, without knowing you or your healthy history, your doctor is best suited for that question.



(This will help us personalize your experience so that you can get the best advice possible from us!)
Skip to content
Send this to a friend