Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Minerals - Nutrition information for older adults, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-19

Did you know?
Adults over 70 years old need more calcium. 1000 mg is the daily recommended amount for adults ages 19-70 years old. 1200 mg is the recommended amount if you’re over 70 years old.

Minerals, they’re not just found on the periodic table!

The Panel has no background color, allowing the Content Blocks' background color to create separation among the elements. 

Setting your table with a variety of foods from all the food groups in MyPlate will help you meet your mineral needs, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc. While food is your best source of minerals, a supplement may be beneficial for some older adults. Check with your health care provider to see what is best for you.

Calcium: Helps build muscle strength and keeps your bones and teeth strong
Dairy products, Fortified nondairy milk, Tofu, Nuts, Leafy greens, Broccoli, Fortified orange juice, Canned seafood

Magnesium: Helps keep your heart healthy, your mood elevated and youblood sugars in a healthy range
Nuts, Seeds, Leafy green vegetables

Potassium: Helps lower your risk of high blood pressure, kidney stones and osteoporosis
Sweet potatoes, White potatoes, Bananas, Oranges, Beans, Yogurt, Leafy greens, Prunes

Zinc: Helps keep your eyes and skin healthy, your immune system strong, and your sense of taste and smell working well
Oysters, Fortified cereal, Red meat, Dark chicken meat, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds

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Also of Interest:

 
Dietary Minerals for Cancer: Public Health Implications. Dixit, Tanu, Kritika Zutshi, Angeline Jeyakumar, and Selvan Ravindran. 2025, Handbook of Public Health Nutrition: International, National, and Regional Perspectives, pp. 1-17. Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
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