As we grow older, our bones, muscles, brain and skin need different nutrients to keep functioning properly. We all try to follow a healthy, well-balanced diet to give our body all the nutrients it needs, but sometimes our body doesn’t absorb the nutrients properly. Moreover, food is not as nutritional as we think it is and stress and poor lifestyle choices begin to take its toll. Experts generally agree that we need to give our body a variety of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to help it function optimally and to help preserve its youthfulness. But where do we start? To guide us on what we need, and at what age, we consulted with our experts. Here’s what they had to say:
In your 20s you are young, fit and everything should be functioning at an optimal level. But you’ll benefit from supplementing with the following: High-quality omega-3 fatty acid is essential for every component of the body, but specifically for the skin. “It assists in inhibiting the inflammation that contributes to the dreadful scarring that’s usually associated with acne,” says Dr Burt Jooste, a GP with a special interest in integrative, anti-ageing medicine at Skin, Body & Health Renewal. It also has huge benefits on your brain as it enhances memory and concentration, and aids in the management and prevention of mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and ADHD. “Calcium is another must-have supplement as most people do not meet adequate intake for calcium. Long-term dietary deficiency is a factor responsible for the development of osteoporosis later on in life,” says registered dietician Jade Campbell from Nutritional Solutions. The recommended daily intake for calcium is 1 300 mg of calcium for adolescents, 1 000 mg for adults, and 1 500 mg for pregnant women.
While sources of calcium include milk and milk products, sardines, tofu and kale, it is not always easy to meet calcium needs with diet alone. Sports nutritionist Julian Naidoo also recommends taking a multivitamin to ensure you meet your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. He suggests choosing one that has vitamin B, C, D, E and K as well as magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron and zinc. A well-balanced multi-vitamin may be safely taken throughout life.
Article by Candice Tehini