4 Vitamins That May Support Bone, Brain, and Immune Health as You Age

Getting older naturally changes the way the body uses nutrients. Maintaining a balanced diet becomes increasingly important, particularly for nutrients involved in bone strength, normal brain function, and immune health.

While no vitamin can stop aging or prevent every health problem, getting enough essential vitamins can help the body perform its normal functions.

Here are four vitamins that deserve particular attention as we get older.

1. Vitamin D: Important for Bones and Muscles

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones and muscles.

As people age, vitamin D levels can sometimes become lower. Older adults may spend less time outdoors, and the skin also becomes less efficient at producing vitamin D from sunlight.

Good dietary sources include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods. Some people may also need supplements if their vitamin D levels are low.

However, more is not always better. Excessive vitamin D supplementation can cause problems, so high-dose supplements should generally be taken only with appropriate medical guidance.

2. Vitamin B12: Supporting Nerves and Blood Cells

Vitamin B12 is essential for normal red blood cell formation and healthy nervous-system function.