Which Supplements Actually Work Better For Seniors Than Some Prescription Medicines: Here’s What Doctor’s Say

Woman standing in a supplement store trying to make a decision. More seniors are turning to supplements to improve their health, but doctors caution them that not all supplements are equal, and some might not be helpful at all. Shutterstock

Walk through any pharmacy and you will see entire aisles filled with supplements promising stronger bones, sharper memory, healthier hearts, and better energy. For seniors managing multiple prescriptions, the idea that certain vitamins or nutrients could sometimes work as well as (or better than) additional medications sounds incredibly appealing.

Doctors caution that supplements are not magic cures and should never replace medically necessary prescriptions without professional guidance. However, many physicians now acknowledge that a handful of evidence-backed supplements may help older adults address common deficiencies, improve quality of life, or even reduce the need for certain medications in carefully selected situations. So which supplements are actually helpful? Here are some that actually move the needle.