Vitamins for over 50s
After 50 the nutrients most worth attention are vitamin D, vitamin B12, which is absorbed less well with age, and calcium for bones.
Short answer After 50 the nutrients most worth attention are vitamin D, vitamin B12, which is absorbed less well with age, and calcium for bones. Iron needs fall for women after menopause.
What UK guidance says
Vitamin D at 10 micrograms a day, all year if you are rarely outdoors. Everything else from diet where possible.
A caution on vitamin A
Older adults at risk of osteoporosis should keep vitamin A below 1.5mg a day from food and supplements combined.
Related pages
- Vitamins for tiredness and fatigueIron, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin C and magnesium each contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, if you are short of them.
- Vitamin AAdults need 700 micrograms (men) or 600 micrograms (women) of vitamin A a day, which diet normally provides.
- Vitamin EAdults need about 4mg (men) or 3mg (women) of vitamin E a day, easily met from plant oils, nuts and seeds.
- Vitamin K2Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and the maintenance of normal bones.
Keep exploring
- Vitamins and minerals
- Menopause supplements
- Health claims explained
- Collagen side effects
- Vitamins for tiredness and fatigue
- Lion's mane mushroom
Questions people ask
What should I know about vitamins for over 50s?
After 50 the nutrients most worth attention are vitamin D, vitamin B12, which is absorbed less well with age, and calcium for bones.
Can I take this with medication?
Ask a pharmacist or GP first; some supplements interact with medicines.
Do supplements replace a balanced diet?
No. They are meant to add to a varied diet, not stand in for one.
Sources
- NHS: Vitamins and minerals (opens in a new tab)
- NHS: Vitamin D (opens in a new tab)
- NHS: Calcium (opens in a new tab)
Checked 9 October 2026.