Cynthia Sweda, UGA Family and Consumer Sciences agent with the Cobb County Extension office, recently spoke with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the dangers of some nutritional supplements for seniors.
Sweda pointed out that adding vitamins or herbal supplements to a daily diet could be dangerous for those also taking prescription medications. Instead, she tells seniors to eat a healthy diet and follow their doctor’s advice on nutrition supplements.
“No matter what age group we are addressing, we always recommend that they get their nutrition primarily from food,” she said.
Sweda added that it’s important to be completely honest with physicians and pharmacists, particularly when starting a new medication and before any elective surgery.
The most common doctor-recommended supplements for seniors are calcium and vitamins D and B-12, which can be taken from a good multivitamin.
