A 75-year-old woman has been advised by her neighbor to take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. What benefit might she get from taking it?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As people age, their ability to absorb calcium declines and there is a reduction in the intake of milk and dairy products. Calcium supplements may help slow down bone loss, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Vitamin A absorption decreases with aging, but multivitamins may not improve cataracts. Iron status usually improves with age due to a decrease in menstrual bleeding and an increase in iron absorption efficiency. Zinc supplements can improve the immune response, but it may not greatly improve it, and it depends on the individual's needs.

A 75-Year-Old Woman Has Been Advised by Her Neighbor to Take