I have been committed to leading a healthier lifestyle, which has led me to purchase smaller clothes. However, I did buy my weekly pill case in a larger size, as the cubbies that held my daily vitamins no longer accommodate them.
Since I am getting older and have started dieting, I am taking different vitamins, and it is challenging to identify which supplements are right for me, with the narrative changing so often. Ads for dietary supplements make tall claims, promising that some of these products will make you look great, feel better, keep you from getting sick or even help you live longer.
It is essential to know that most of these claims lack scientific backing and are often generated by the supplement industry to sell their products. The National Institutes of Health is a good place to start for reliable health information. The Cleveland Clinic is another one. It is crucial to discuss any supplements with a primary care physician—though vitamins may seem harmless, they could impact any blood work and the effectiveness of prescription medications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most Americans can’t meet their nutrient requirements by diet alone. When buying supplements, look for seals from the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), and buy supplements made in the United States. Take the recommended dose, as mega-doses of supplements could be harmful.
My pill case is filled with a multivitamin formulated for seniors and a calcium and magnesium supplement, as well as fish oil capsules and pre/probiotics. I’m now taking a daily fiber supplement and, to top it off, my ophthalmologist recommended a vitamin for vision.
I can’t get the pill compartment closed, but I can button my jeans and now feel healthier than ever.
Pepper Evans works as an independent-living consultant, helping older adults age in place. She is the empty-nest mother of two adult daughters and has extensive personal and professional experience as a caregiver. She has worked as a researcher and editor for authors and filmmakers. She also puts her time and resources to use in the nonprofit sector and serves on the Board of Education in Lawrence Township, NJ.
