Walk through the vitamin aisle at almost any pharmacy, and you’ll find products promising sharper memory, stronger joints, better heart health, and more energy. For older adults hoping to stay healthy without spending a fortune, those claims can sound appealing. Unfortunately, some of the most heavily marketed supplements for seniors have little convincing evidence behind their advertised benefits.
The financial impact can add up quickly. Someone spending $25 monthly on three supplements is paying $900 annually, potentially for products that aren’t addressing a medical need. The Food and Drug Administration also explains that dietary supplements aren’t approved for safety and effectiveness before reaching store shelves the way prescription medications are.
