When people think about aging, they often focus on the visible things — like wrinkles, sagging skin, or growing waistlines. However, there’s an important area that needs more attention: nutrition.

 

As people age, their nutritional needs become more of a challenge. Part of this is because you typically need fewer calories when you get older, making it easier to fall short on the nutrients required to maintain a healthy body. At the same time, the body becomes less effective at absorbing certain vitamins and minerals, leading to dietary deficiencies.

 

Getting the right nutrients is essential at every age, but it can pose serious health issues as you grow older, such as:

  • Anemia
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Decreased bone density (osteoporosis)
  • Reduced strength and mobility
  • Skin issues
  • Visual disturbances
  • Chronic disease, like diabetes

Dr. Adepero Okulaja offers anti-aging services at The Doctor’s House in Edina, Minnesota, including treatments specific to men and women and, importantly, customized vitamin and mineral supplementation so your body has what it needs.

 

Here, she shares five vitamin deficiencies to watch for as you age and how to avoid them.

 

1. B Vitamins

 

Eight vitamins fall into this category:

  • B1 (thiamine)
  • B2 (riboflavin)
  • B3 (niacin)
  • B5 (pantothenic acid)
  • B6 (pyridoxine)
  • B7 (biotin)
  • B9 (folate or folic acid)
  • B12 (cobalamin)

Each B vitamin helps specific enzymes in your body do their job, like creating red blood cells and maintaining healthy nerve function. While all B vitamins are important, deficiencies with B6, B9, and B12 become increasingly common with age and may result in various disease presentations such as memory loss, balance problems, mental health issues like depression and anxiety amongst other presentations.

 

2. Vitamin D

 

You need vitamin D in your body to absorb calcium and maintain bone density, which helps prevent osteoporosis. Studies show that this vitamin may also help reduce your risk of falls and certain chronic diseases, like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. Vitamin D deficiency has also been implicated in diseases like depression, seasonal affective disorder, and also plays a role in cancer prevention i.e. colon breast, and prostate cancer.

 

Unfortunately, many older adults fall short on vitamin D because it gets produced by the body in response to exposure to sunlight. While eating more tuna, salmon, eggs, and foods fortified with vitamin D can help, supplements could provide more consistent health benefits.

 

3. Magnesium

 

Magnesium is the unsung hero of the vitamin world. This essential mineral plays a role in over 300 different physiological processes, from keeping your immune system humming and your heart in tip-top form to making sure your bones stay strong.

 

However, nearly 70% of Americans under age 71 — and approximately 80% over that age — don’t get enough magnesium. Many foods contain magnesium, including dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, but the body often loses a lot of the nutrient during digestion.

 

On top of that, magnesium absorption also decreases with age, especially if you take certain medications, like diuretics.

 

4. Potassium

 

Did you know adults should get 4,700 milligrams of potassium a day? Your cells need this crucial nutrient to function, but it doesn’t stop there. Studies also show that potassium can help:

  • Keep bones strong
  • Reduce blood pressure
  • Lessen your risk of kidney stones

Fortunately, it’s easy to get enough potassium in your diet by including fruits and vegetables with each meal.

 

5. Calcium

 

Do you associate calcium with strong bones? While that’s true, it’s an essential nutrient for every cell in your body.

 

This mineral is a signaling molecule, meaning your muscles, heart, and nerves can’t function without it. In fact, your body relies on calcium so much that it stores the excess in your bones. And, if you don’t consume enough, your bones release it — which can lead to osteoporosis, or soft, fragile bones.

 

People often consume less calcium with age. To avoid problems, include plenty of calcium-rich items in your diet like broccoli, kale, low-fat milk or dairy products, or fortified foods like orange juice.

 

Improving your health with supplements

 

While too few vitamins can cause issues, too many can also be a problem. Before recommending supplements, Dr. Okulaja performs a comprehensive assessment and runs blood tests to identify what needs improvement.

 

The Doctor’s House has IV hydration and infusion therapy and its own in-house, locally produced vitamin line designed to improve how you feel, function, and look at every age, and they use all-natural ingredients.

 

To learn more about healthy aging and vitamin mineral supplementation, contact The Doctor’s House to schedule a consultation with Dr. Okulaja today.

Contact Us

  • Address 6545 France Ave South, Suite 335
    Edina, MN 55435
  • Phone (612) 333-4834

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LouAnne Loewen

2022-04-21

I am amazed at how much time the Doctor spends with me. She is very compassionate, is very interested in your issues and solving them. I was totally taken away when some test results showed some possible heart issues. She immediately rescheduled more test and made the appointments as we sat in the clinic room. When I first met my new heart doctor, he said I very lucky to have Dr. O as my doctor because she cared so much about her patients. (you might have to wait a bit to get called to your room, be patient, she will spend as much time with you)

Michael Zimberg

2024-09-24

Dr O is amazing- she really listens and considers a patient's entire well being. She's pragmatic and I am already feeling much better after a few visits (and some vitamins that are missing from my system). She takes all the time needed to answer every question and is always responsive and engaging.

Sharon Schneider

2024-10-23

Dr. Okulaja has been my primary care physician since 2009. That, right there, says a lot. From my personal experience, her medical treatment is very proactive, to keep me healthy, instead of just reactive. She spends enough time with me at appointments & listens well & works “with” me for my best healthcare plan. Her most unique quality in today’s healthcare world, is that she truly does care deeply about her patients, & I feel very fortunate to be one of them. I highly recommend her as a Dr.

papanana 6530

2024-11-12

How wonderful it is to know that someone cares. Dr. Okulaja is that someone! I do look appreciate our doctor and patient relationship. I recommend Dr. Okulaja to all I know and meet.

heather berg

2024-11-22

Dr. O and her staff have been fantastic. Even the lab did a great job at drawing my blood. Dr. O has been thorough. I’m continuing to see her. They also have a Spa!!! :-)

Celectine O.

I am profoundly grateful to God to have meet Doctor Adepero Okulaja She is very thorough, and she listens to her patients before telling you what you need to do.

Sharon S.

Dr. Okulaja has been my primary care physician since 2009. That, right there, says a lot. From my personal experience, her medical treatment is very proactive, to keep me healthy, instead of just reactive. She spends enough time with me at appointments & listens well & works “with” me for my best healthcare plan. Her most unique quality in today’s healthcare world, is that she truly does care deeply about her patients, & I feel very fortunate to be one of them. I highly recommend her as a Dr.

P P.

How wonderful it is to know that someone cares. Dr. Okulaja is that someone! I do look appreciate our doctor and patient relationship. I recommend Dr. Okulaja to all I know and meet.

Heather B.

Dr. O and her staff have been fantastic. Even the lab did a great job at drawing my blood. Dr. O has been thorough. I’m continuing to see her. They also have a Spa!!!

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