As people age, many of them start looking for supplements they can take to help ease certain ailments or strengthen different parts of their bodies. However, taking too much of a particular supplement can actually be quite risky.
While supplements can be great for providing our bodies with specific nutrients and vitamins we may not be getting enough of in our diet, it doesn’t mean some of them don’t pose risks, or disagree with certain people’s health conditions. People over the age of 60 should be especially careful with what supplements they choose to take, as there are a few that can interact with medication, cause intense side effects, and more. We’ve compiled a list of three common supplements you may have heard of that can pose risks for seniors, as research and experts suggest. Read more about them below.
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1. St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is a popular herbal supplement that has been taken for years, specifically to help those with depression or hormonal issues. It is sometimes marketed towards older people, as some research has suggested it can help with symptoms associated with menopause, like hot flashes. However, it can also pose some risks, and should definitely not be taken in excess.
According to the Mayo Clinic, St. John's Wort "interacts with many medicines and can cause serious side effects," including anxiety, dizziness, upset stomach, and more. This is why those over the age of 60 should double-check with their doctors before taking this supplement, as they'll want to ensure it wouldn't interfere or poorly interact with any other medication they take.
2. Vitamin B-6
B vitamins are essential and beneficial to many bodily functions, which is why some seniors are recommended to take B complex or specific B vitamin supplements to boost their health. However, B-6 is a special case, as while it can help keep your nervous and immune systems healthy, it can also be quite dangerous for those with certain health conditions, especially if it's taken in excess.
According to his article for the Cleveland Clinic, Ronan Factora, MD, states that when people over 60 take too much vitamin B-6, it "can produce neurological problems, such as imbalance and peripheral neuropathy." Additionally, vitamin B-6 can interact with numerous medications, including barbiturates, in some cases.
3. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is another popular supplement you may see in grocery or wellness stores. While it's located in so many different nutritious and healthy foods, like spinach, eggs, and dairy products, some people need to supplement it for one reason or another. Vitamin A is known for its antioxidant properties and is often recommended in supplement form for those who are unable to get it in their diet due to food shortages or other causes.
However, Dr. Factora's article suggests that taking too much vitamin A as an elderly person "may increase [their] risk of osteoporosis," which is a big concern for many people over the age of 60. If you're of a certain age and were considering taking vitamin A supplements, check in with your healthcare professional, as chances are, if you eat a healthy diet, you may not need them.
