Seeking the perfect supplement?

Natalie Gerhardt, the managing director of Multichem Sourcing, answers important questions about how your body, age, and health levels impact the kinds of supplements you should be taking.

Many people use supplements to fill in the gaps in their diets. Not all of them, however, know exactly which supplements they should be taking. Multichem Sourcing director Natalie Gerhardt (BSc. Hons in Biochemistry and Microbiology) has answered some burning questions about how weight, age, and health levels affect the supplements you choose.

1. How does a person's age impact the kind of supplement they should take? Are there supplements that are more suitable for people within a specific age range?

“As you age, your body undergoes changes that affect your nutritional needs and could increase deficiency risks. For instance, reduced stomach acid limits the absorption of vitamins B6, B12, iron, and calcium. Because of this, adults over 50 may require a higher intake of these nutrients.”

She also highlights that people after 65 need increased supplements containing protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

“Bone mass is something else that decreases with age, especially after 70, often requiring an increase in calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals for bone strength in one's diet. Those over 65 might also need more protein to combat muscle loss, while postmenopausal women typically require less iron due to decreased blood loss. As a note, ageing often reduces appetite, making it harder to meet our daily nutritional needs, prompting the use of supplements.”

2. What should people with certain health conditions consider before choosing a supplement?

Consulting a doctor before choosing a supplement when you have an existing health condition is essential, explains Gerhardt, who adds how some supplements may do more harm than good if not carefully selected.

Gerhardt also explains how people with kidney disease should be wary of certain supplements that may appear innocent.

“Chronic kidney disease is another area to be careful with supplement intake. One in 7 people suffer from less-than-optimal kidney function, and many of them will use supplements without consulting their doctor, hoping to boost their overall health. They might not know that something as seemingly innocent as flaxseed oil, a commonly used supplement containing various omega oils, vitamins and minerals, is actually a high-risk supplement for kidney function because of its high phosphorus content.”

3. Do weight, height, and build matter when choosing supplements?

According to Gerhardt, your body composition matters when it comes to supplements and how much you take.

“When choosing supplements, weight plays a big role. Ensuring you receive the right amount is important, especially if your weight deviates greatly from the average.”

4. Do lifestyle choices matter when choosing supplements? For instance, are there supplements that will benefit someone who doesn’t eat healthy foods?

Unfortunately for junk food lovers, Gerhardt shares that supplements cannot magically make you healthier. According to Gerhardt, making healthy decisions is essential.

“Any supplement will only be as good as the body using it. Supplements are not miracle workers; if you don't commit to a moderately healthy lifestyle, all body processes are affected, including the absorption and use of any supplement within the body. With that said, in today’s modern world of fast food and sedentary lifestyles, supplements can assist in ‘topping up’ with essential nutrients that we are missing.”