Which Supplements Do Older Adults Actually Need? Here's What The Science Says

The use of dietary supplements has increased sharply in recent years.

Vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional products are often marketed as simple ways to boost energy, support immunity, protect brain health, or even promote longevity.

For many people, taking supplements can feel like a sensible, proactive health habit.

But this perception can be misleading. For people who already have adequate nutrition, many supplements offer little or no measurable benefit. Some are simply an unnecessary expense.

Others are not risk-free: high doses of certain vitamins and minerals can cause toxicity, interfere with medications, or produce unintended health effects.