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The best supplements for the over 50s revealed
supplementscompared.com has revealed that the value and quality of health supplements for the over 50s can vary enormously and many are squandering money on supplements lacking important ingredients.
A spokesperson from supplementscompared.com explained that whilst supplements can be beneficial to the over 50s, not every product on the market will actually make a difference.
“As we reach 50, our bodies are less able to absorb vital nutrients from our diet, but at the same time we’re also more likely to be affected by health problems and so have a greater need for these nutrients.
“Manufacturers have caught on to this and there are lots of supplements specifically targeted at over 50s, like products for heart health, joint health, bone health and menopause. But whilst they can be beneficial, many of the products available simply don’t contain sufficient quantities of vital nutrients to have the desired effect.”
Products reviewed by supplementscompared.com for the over 50s include glucosamine, cod liver oil, multivitamin and minerals and alternative menopause treatments. The main findings from the site are:
° Of those reviewed, only 30% of the ‘complete’ vitamin and mineral supplements for the over 50s contained the recommended RDA of all 12 essential vitamins. Biotin, essential for healthy skin, hair and optimum energy levels was often omitted. Mineral quantities were even more inconsistent with Tesco, Asda, Superdrug and Sainsbury’s own brands lacking sufficient quantities of zinc, vital for supporting the immune system. Products rated the best were ABC Plus Senior (Holland & Barrett) and 50 Plus (Healthspan).
° Costs for glucosamine tablets, taken for joint health, can vary by up to 11 times. Holland and Barretts 1000mg Glucosamine sulphate tablets costs £10.99 RRP for 30 (£0.55 per dose) whereas Healthspan’s identical 1000mg Glucosamine Hydrochloride tablets costs just £5.95 for 180 (£0.05 per dose).
° The product rated the best for bone health is also the cheapest of those reviewed. Ailment’s ‘Osteocalmag’ which combines calcium, magnesium, vitamins A,D,C, K and baron, received 5 out of 5 for both quality and value. Many of the cheapest, mail order products are amongst those rated the best.
° Women affected by the menopause are wasting money on herbal remedies including Ginseng and Ginko which have little or no evidence of specific benefit for menopausal symptoms. Alternatively, St John’s wort and black cohosh are noted by the site as having substantial evidence of benefit.
° Good old fashioned cod liver oil supplements have shown consistent and significant benefits to joint health. However, some of the most expensive products have been rated the least effective. Seven Seas’ popular ‘One a Day pure cod liver oil’ only contains 85mg EPA/DHA fatty acids – at least 450mg is advised to deliver any benefit.
All products on supplementscompared.com are assessed against ‘quality benchmarks’ which have been defined by the panel of medical and nutritional experts as the amount of active ingredient required for the product to have the intended benefit.
The supplementscompared.com spokesperson continues,
“Consumers would benefit from industry-wide quality benchmarks, such as those established by supplementscompared.com. The best products are not necessarily the most expensive – a range of mail order companies, supermarkets and popular high street stores have all won best products in different categories – price has no bearing on quality.”
Supplementscompared.com was launched in April 2008. The expert panel review the evidence associated with the most popular supplements and measure the amount of active ingredient they contain to identify those that are most likely to deliver the benefits claimed on the packaging. Each one is also rated for value for money, and “best product” and “worth a look” accolades are awarded to exceptional quality products. For more information, please visit www.supplementscompared.com
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