Did you know?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only regulates food and medications. Dietary supplements, energy drinks and diet products are not considered food or medication, therefore are not regulated. Talk to your health care provider.

Should I take a nutritional supplement?

Supplements are an added source of nutrition in the form of a pill, powder or liquid that help provide the extra nutrients our bodies need when we are not able to get enough through our diet alone.

Older adults need just as much nutrition as younger adults, sometimes they may even need more. But as you age, your body may not absorb nutrients as well as it used to, and you may not be able to eat as much as you used to either. Medications may also change your ability to absorb some nutrients.

  • Talk to your health care provider about taking a multivitamin with minerals specifically designed for older adults (may contain less iron).
  • If you’re having trouble maintaining weight, talk to your health care provider about taking a liquid meal replacement between meals or in the evening to add more calories (energy) and protein.

If you are eating a diet high in nutrient-rich foods with adequate calories (energy) and protein, you may not need a supplement. Check with your health care provider on what is best for you because taking a supplement depends on many factors.

Nutrition Information for Older Adults - Compilation (PDF)
Peer Review Logo
Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Supplements & Medications - Nutrition information for older adults, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-20

Extension Associated Contacts

Macy Helm
Macy Helm
Anne R. Lindsay
Anne R. Lindsay
Natalie Mazzullo
Natalie Mazzullo
 

Also of Interest:

 
Reducing Cheatgrass Fuel Loads Using Fall Cattle Grazing
Cattle grazed a cheatgrass-dominated pasture during the fall dormant period for four years (2006-2009) and were provided a protein nutrient supplement to improve their distribution, uptake of dry feed and production performance...
 Foster, S., Schmelzer, L., Wilker, J., Schultz, B. W., Mcadoo, J. K., Swanson, S. R., Perryman, B. L. 2015, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension: Special Publication 15-03
Alfalfa for Beef Cows
Optimizing a ranch’s feed resources often requires strategic supplementation of standing forage with a processed protein, energy or mineral product. However, protein and energy supplements do not necessarily have to come out of a sack.
 Foster, S. McCuin, G., Nelson, D., Schultz, B., and Torell, R. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
new born baby
For New Breastfeeding Mothers: What You Need to Know About Supplementing With Infant Formula
This fact sheet contains several questions and answers on supplementing breastfeeding with infant formula.
 Sigman-Grant, M. 2013, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-16
 

Associated Programs

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Healthy Aging Initiative

Extension's Healthy Aging Initiative (HAI) connects you with the resources to navigate aging and its trends. Our programs are offered for adults over 50 and those who partner with them to provide care and support. We provide expert nutrition and physical activity training information for elders, caregivers and professionals. We have sponsorship options for tours and professional education, and we offer careers in aging exploration programs for middle and high school students and incoming college