Best Vitamins for Women Over 50

All those vitamins aren't to keep death at bay, they're to keep deterioration at bay." - Jeanne Moreau

If Jeanne Moreau has said it, we have to believe it. At 84, she looks as beautiful as one can. We all know the benefits of eating vitamins, and how they play an important role in the overall development of our body. These vitamins are equally important to all of us, and not just a specific age group. 

However, the best vitamins for older women, are determined after taking into consideration different parameters, and requirements of that age. If you are experiencing hot flashes, early signs of menopause or night sweats even, it means you need to improve your vitamin intake.

Some of the best vitamins for older women will solve these problems for you. These will also include some great vitamins for hair growth, and some for the energy you need everyday.

Once past the benchmark of 50, there are two types of vitamins you must consume: vitamins for energy being one; the other being vitamins that help slow the aging process. Apart from these, you also need vitamins that help strengthen your immune system. The right intake, of the right vitamins, will help you balance your hormones; eventually leading to lesser problems. After 50, menopause is a common occurrence; a major factor contributing to hormonal imbalance.

Vitamin B3, also called Niacin, helps in many ways but one. As we grow older, cholesterol levels suddenly become an issue of concern. The good news here, is that niacin helps in increasing the good cholesterol (HDL) and thus, helps in reducing cholesterol problems in older women, caused by the bad cholesterol (LDL).

Apart from this, niacin also helps in the prevention of atherosclerosis; a situation where our arteries harden. Niacin can be taken as an over-the-counter drug after consultation, or as a vitamin supplement from foods. It also aids hair growth; consequently making it an essential vitamin for hair growth, for women.

Other foods high in Niacin: Vension, Halibut, Lamb, Mushrooms, Bran, Paprika, Peanuts, Bacon, Sun-dried Tomatoes
Top Vitamin B3 Foods:
Chicken
Calf Liver
Tuna
Salmon
Turkey

As women gradually age, hormonal imbalances increase. After 50, most women are worried about fluctuating cholesterol levels, and cancers.

Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is said to prevent colon cancer. It is also one of the best daily vitamins for women; increasing serotonin levels which help fight depression (doctors include this among other vitamins to cure depression).

It also controls homocysteine and urinary oxalate levels. Homocysteine levels are involved in blood clotting abnormalities, and the later in kidney stones.
Other foods high in Pyridoxine: Bananas, Beans, Nuts, Red Meat, Poultry, Eggs, Spinach, Fortified Cereals, Cod

Top Vitamin B6 Foods:
Tuna
Calf Liver
Chicken
Salmon
Potatoes

Though most of the B Complex vitamins help at an older age, this is perhaps one of the best; you'll see why. Vitamin B9, or folic acid, helps in the production of DNA, which in turn, helps in cell division and tissue formation. Apart from this, folic acid is said to prevent, or rather reduce, risks of certain heart diseases and cancers.

Along with a few other vitamins, this vitamin is also said to reduce age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Then again, it also helps relieve hot flashes post menopause.

Other foods high in Folic Acid: Yeast Extract Spread, Roasted Soybeans, Turnip, Collards, Pinto, Mung, Asparagus

Top Vitamin B9 Foods:

Animal Liver
Dried Herbs
Sunflower Seeds
Spinach
Oranges

Vitamin B12, also called Cobalamin, is not only one of the most beneficial vitamins for women over 50, but one of the most vital too. Vitamin B12 plays an important role of producing red blood cells; an increasing count of these is crucial as you grow older.

Deficiency of this vitamin might also lead to pernicious anemia; an anemia that blocks the release of glycoprotein. Apart from this, it also controls secretion of melatonin and serotonin, hormones that control sleep and mood respectively.

Other foods high in Cobalamin: Egg, Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, Maas, Crabs, Lobsters, Octopus, Mackerel, Salmon

Top Vitamin B12 Foods:
Animal Liver
Beef/Mutton
Chicken
Pork
Caviar

It is very important for old women to maintain proper vitamin D levels in blood. Vitamin D is indeed one of the best vitamins for older women. Deficiency of this vitamin will cause excess fatigue, and extremely brittle bones. Since the immune system at 50 is already weak, this might prove to be more dangerous than we think.

Coming to vitamin E, deficiency of this will cause mild hemolytic anemia, cataracts, age spots and abnormalities in brain functioning. One can overdose on Vitamin E; always consult your doctor before taking this one.

Other foods high in Vitamin E and D: (D):Shrimp, Canned Tuna in Oil, Canned Sardines in Oil, Fortified Milk and Margarine, Whole Eggs (E): Sunflower oil, Olives, Swiss Chard, Peanut Butter, Turnip Greens

Top Vitamin D and E Foods:
Cod Liver Oil (D)
Sockeye Salmon (D)
Mackerel (D)
Wheat Germ Oil (E)
Almonds (E)
Sunflower Seeds (E)

These were few of the best vitamins for women over 50. Now that you know these vitamins and what they do, start their consumption soon. However, consumption should start after confirmation of the dosage, after consulting your doctor. 

The reason for this is simple: every woman has a different medical history, and everything eventually depends on it. Liquid vitamins are also available, some of which are considered helpful vitamin supplements. Remember, Vitamins are Vital!