Supplement Safety in Older Adults

The group most likely to take supplements is also the group most likely to be taking medicines that interact with them.

Polypharmacy

Medication use rises substantially with age, and each additional medicine raises the probability of an interaction. Prescribing cascades - where a side effect of one drug is treated with another - compound this. Adding supplements to an already complex regimen without a review is how avoidable problems occur. A structured medication review with a pharmacist, including supplements, is free in many settings and is the single highest-value step available.

Pharmacokinetic changes

Renal function declines gradually with age, affecting clearance of anything eliminated by the kidney. Hepatic blood flow and some enzyme activity decline. Body composition shifts toward higher fat and lower water content, changing distribution of fat-soluble and water-soluble compounds. Reduced stomach acid affects absorption of some nutrients, including protein-bound B12. Homeostatic reserve is lower, so effects are less well buffered.

What to prioritise

Vitamin D, where deficiency is common and correction has skeletal benefits. B12, where absorption declines and deficiency is both common and consequential. Adequate protein intake, which supports muscle maintenance and functional independence. Calcium where dietary intake is inadequate. Beyond that, the higher-value interventions are usually not supplements at all: blood pressure control, hearing assessment, physical activity, and reviewing the medication list for anticholinergic burden.

If you are considering Cognizil

Read the Cognizil ingredients page before ordering and check the guarantee terms. If you take any prescription medicine — including hormonal contraception — show the label to a pharmacist first, because the St. John’s Wort content genuinely matters. Our buyer’s checklist sets out twelve checks worth running.