As we age, many seniors seek out supplements to enhance their energy levels, alleviate discomfort, or address nutritional deficiencies. Recent research indicates that approximately 80% of adults aged 50 and above take at least one vitamin or supplement.
While these products can have beneficial effects, healthcare professionals advise a cautious approach as we grow older. Dr. Kathleen Hager, an internal medicine geriatrician from OhioHealth, emphasizes, “Just because something is available over the counter does not guarantee its safety.”
As our bodies age, the way we metabolize medications and supplements changes, which can heighten our susceptibility to side effects, according to Dr. Hager. Some supplements can elevate blood pressure, upset stomachs, or dizziness, and may interfere with how prescription medications are absorbed and metabolized.
Moreover, older adults are often on multiple prescriptions, increasing the risk of adverse interactions.
Dr. Hager highlights polypharmacy—defined as taking more than five medications daily—as a particular concern for seniors. “Polypharmacy significantly contributes to negative health outcomes among older adults,” she notes, referencing studies that associate it with falls, confusion, and medication-related side effects. It’s important to recognize that polypharmacy also encompasses supplements, not just prescription drugs.
Health professionals recommend consulting with a physician or pharmacist to ensure that all supplements are safe, necessary, and free from interactions with existing medications.
Here are five commonly used vitamins and supplements that experts suggest older adults should avoid or approach with caution:
1. Saint-John’s-wort
This herbal remedy is often used to treat mild depression, but experts advise against its use for most older adults due to its potential interaction with various medications, which can lead to decreased effectiveness.
According to Dr. Victoria Maizes, executive director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, Saint-John’s-wort boosts specific liver enzymes that metabolize medications, resulting in quicker clearance from the body. This can mean that prescribed doses are insufficient. For example, if a medication’s effective dose is 200 milligrams, you may only receive 100 milligrams if you are also taking Saint-John’s-wort, as it hastens the medication’s exit from your system.
Saint-John’s-wort is also known to have significant interactions with blood thinners, medications to prevent transplant rejection, antiretroviral drugs, digoxin, and many psychiatric medications. If you wish to use it, consulting your doctor about all medications is crucial.
