Supplements: Are they worth it?

Do you need supplements to stay healthy? Dietitian Karissa Woolfe explores what your body needs at every life stage.

Shelves in the health-food aisle of supermarkets and pharmacies are stacked with colourful supplements.

Over a third of women and a quarter of men reported regularly using dietary supplements in the last national nutrition survey, but how do you know if they’re something your body needs, or expensive ‘snake oil’?

Evidence suggests you can meet most of your health needs by eating a well-balanced diet. But there are times in your life when you might need a ‘top up’ to meet your extra requirements.

Here’s an easy guide to what to swallow, decade by decade, from your 20s through to your 60s.

In your 20s

Research shows peer groups and social media shape women’s eating habits in their 20s.

Those who spend a lot of time on social media can develop an unhealthy obsession with maintaining a perfect diet (known as orthorexia nervosa).

This can lead to depression, body-image issues and an unhealthy relationship with food, which may increase their chance of developing a nutrient deficiency. Warning signs include cutting out whole food groups, such as meat, dairy or whole grains or, at the other extreme, overeating junk food or binge drinking. Unhealthy choices, combined with iron losses from menstruation, is a recipe for fatigue and potential deficiencies.

You need… iron

Young women need 18mg of iron a day to prevent anaemia, but the national nutrition survey shows young women only get little over half this from food. The mineral is also poorly absorbed, so it is worth considering an iron supplement, especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan, have heavy periods or are planning a pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about having your iron levels tested via a blood test.

Eat… more vitamin C

You’ll find iron in beef, chicken, lamb, baked beans and grainy bread, but it’s important you pair them with vitamin C-rich foods to better absorb the iron. Add capsicum and broccoli to stir-fries, or eat an orange with your morning baked beans on toast.

Plus… dose up on dairy

Your bone density is set in your 20s, so this is the time to deposit bone-strengthening calcium to prevent osteoporosis later in life. Kiwi women in their 20s average only three-quarters of the calcium they need from their diet. Dairy foods are a rich source – a 250ml glass of high-calcium milk, a small (150g) tub of yoghurt and two slices of cheese (30g) every day will hit your calcium target.

In your 30s

This is a decade of partnering and parenting, plus big changes to meals, fitness and sleep routines.

Two foods that women in their 30s need to focus on eating more are veges and wholegrain bread. Why? Veges and grainy bread provide hunger-busting fibre, which promotes a healthy weight and are a rich source of folate and iodine. These nutrients are essential for mums-to-be to ensure the healthy development of their babies. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are key times women may need additional nutrients, but ask your doctor which supplements, if any, are worth taking. A recent study in Australia found 63 per cent of mums-to-be took a supplement, but some popular brands didn’t follow recommendations and could, in fact, increase the risk of harm.

You need… folate and iodine

For healthy development of babies, folate and iodine supplementation is definitely worth it. Mums-to-be are recommended to take a daily supplement with 800mcg of folate and 150µg of iodine. Your doctor may also check your vitamin D and iron levels, and recommend a vitamin B12 and omega-3 supplement if you are vegetarian.

Eat… wholegrain bread

Most bread is fortified with iodine and wholegrain bread is a source of folate. Eggs are a good source of both folate and iodine, while other folate sources include leafy greens and chickpeas.

Plus… bump up the fruit

Be sure to get at least two serves a day as fruit provides vitamin C to enhance iron absorption and fibre to ease constipation. Enjoy an orange or kiwifruit every day.

In your 40s

Your 40s are a time to feel your best, but often women find themselves busier than ever before. A recent study monitoring the effect of juggling family and work commitments found that time pressures worsen in middle age. This may explain ‘wine o’clock’, with more women drinking at harmful levels, which can increase the risk for developing breast cancer and dementia later in life.

Women are notorious for putting their health needs last in the family. Studies link skipping meals with weight gain, a habit that also deprives your body of fuel and nutrients needed to stay healthy.

The key to longer-lasting energy and a healthy body weight is eating nutritious meals regularly across the day and limiting alcohol.

You need… B vitamins

Your body needs B vitamins to release energy from food and to detox alcohol. Because you’ll find them in wholegrain bread and cereals, dairy foods, leafy green vegetables and eggs, it’s worth saving your money rather than spending on supplements. But a vitamin B12 supplement may be recommended if you are vegan. You can become B-vitamin deficient if you don’t eat enough food in general, or if you drink too much alcohol. But before rushing out to buy Berocca, discuss it with your doctor, as some B vitamins can be toxic if taken incorrectly.

Eat… high-fibre grains

It’s recommended to eat at least six servings of grain foods daily. But many women limit their grains and miss out on energy. So, go for grains to boost your B vitamins! A standard serving of whole grains is a slice of bread, or a half-cup of muesli, cooked porridge, brown rice or quinoa.

Plus… ramp up self-care

Self-care helps you to avoid burning out. Setting an example for your family by eating well, prioritising fitness and getting enough sleep is a great gift.

In your 50s

Hello, menopause! Your 50s is when metabolism slows down, you lose muscle and bone strength and gain belly fat.

This ‘middle-aged spread’ can lead to fatty liver, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and insulin resistance, which increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

You can help to reduce your risk of a heart attack by eating a healthy diet and getting your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly by your GP.

You need… vitamin D

Globally, one in three women over 50 will experience a fracture due to brittle bones. Women with higher vitamin D levels have stronger bones and fewer fractures. Sunlight helps your body make vitamin D, but women with dark skin or living in southern regions are at greater risk of low levels. A supplement is a safe and effective way to restore vitamin D levels, so worth taking if your GP finds you are deficient.

Eat… calcium-rich foods

Once you turn 50, your calcium requirements increase to 1300mg a day to protect your bones. If you’re not up for four servings of dairy each day, try increasing your intake of other calcium-rich foods, such as fortified soy milk, canned salmon with bones, tofu and leafy green veges. Taking a calcium supplement may seem easier, but some studies have linked these supplements with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, so consult your GP before taking them.

Plus… pick up weights

Weight-bearing exercise, such as lifting weights or walking outside, is recommended twice a week to strengthen bones. This also helps to rev up your metabolism and keep you strong.

In your 60s and beyond

As you head into your 60s and beyond, maintaining an active body and mind is the focus.

An empty nest and pending retirement can make you want to wind down, as can health concerns such as stiff joints and the onset of such chronic conditions as arthritis and type 2 diabetes.

But the evidence is clear: to age well, you need to continue to eat healthily and stay active. As we age into our 60s and beyond, women are twice as likely as men to develop knee osteoarthritis, are more likely to have a heart attack, and dementia becomes a leading cause of death.

The good news is, studies suggest a Mediterranean style of eating is healthy for your heart, as well as your joints and brain.

You need… omega-3

If you aren’t a fan of fish, it is worth considering supplementation. The Heart Foundation recommends a marine-sourced omega-3 supplement of up to 1g a day as beneficial for heart health, if you don’t eat fish.

Eat… oily fish, nuts and seeds

Eating oily fish, such as fresh or canned salmon, twice a week, and plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, including walnuts, linseeds and chia seeds, daily can provide the recommended amount for good health.

Plus… keep moving

Continuing to strength train twice a week strengthens your bones, and evidence suggests it helps your heart and brain, too. A University of Sydney study found adults aged 55 to 86 who did this for six months improved their cognitive function and lowered their risk of dementia.