Harmful supplements in older women

Supplements and older women's health

This article from the New York times really opened my eyes regarding supplements and the health of older women. I have not worked with this population of elderly women, but that does not mean I will never work with them in some sort of clinic in the future. There is always debate about taking supplements for vitamins and minerals and how they can help your body. But this study opened my eyes to what can really happen with long term use of supplements. Women who were using multivitamins or supplements of folic acid, iron, magnesium or zinc were found to have a higher rate of death than those who did not use any supplements. This was a serious eye opener for me having always thought that taking supplements like iron were perfectly healthy. Especially for people who are vegetarian or anemic, or have some sort of iron deficiency.

After reading this article I now know that if I ever work with a population of elderly women, I can give them some advice regarding supplements. If they are considering a multivitamin or iron supplement pill I will refer to this study and suggest they get the necessary vitamins or minerals from a specific food source. Nutrition is very important to a person's health and well being. Knowing the harmful effects supplements can have is something that should be shared and discussed when working with a certain population. If the circumstance ever comes up that I am working with older women I will be sure to reference this news article to show them how supplements can be harmful.