Supplements for Seniors: New Research

Senior shoppers don’t always get as much support as they need when it comes to information about health and nutrition. Over in the dietary supplements aisle, ingredient suppliers are doing their part to foster more science specifically targeting the senior population. It’s increasingly clear that a number of nutrients play a key role in healthy aging, from protein and collagen to probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and many more.
Still, when it comes to research on the elderly, the dietary supplements industry can always go further. “I think there’s opportunity for even more research,” said Lara Niemann, marketing director, Americas, for collagen supplier Gelita (Sergeant Bluff, IA), at this year’s Natural Products Expo West trade show. “Certainly, this is the beginning of Gelita’s research path on this.”
When asked if the supplements industry in general is exploring enough science on seniors, Mike Bush, senior vice president for probiotics supplier Ganeden Biotech (Cleveland, OH), said at Expo West, “You know, we’re not seeing a ton. I mean, some of the microbiome work that’s being done around the world is looking at seniors and what happens as people age. So it’s more part of the general microbiome work that’s being done by governments and universities.”
Supplement marketers must also find the right way to address this key market, without making senior shoppers feel, well, old. That’s why Niemann emphasizes the concept of independence. “Part of the key messaging that can motivate this older demographic is really this topic of independent living, keeping a certain quality of life. For instance, I wouldn’t recommend marketing [the term sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss] to the consumer. No one wants to feel like they have a problem or that there’s a condition they’re suffering from. So, promote the positive.”
Of note, regulators are also making moves to improve the status quo of senior resources. On April 19, President Obama signed a bill reauthorizing the bipartisan Older Americans Act. In a nutshell, this law is the gateway to funding for a vast number of programs to support the health of the older U.S. population, including resources for transportation, senior centers, benefits enrollment, and job training.
The law also emphasizes senior nutrition. In addition to educating the elderly population on age-targeted nutrition, the law supports the use of registered dietitians and places emphasis on providing local fruit and vegetables to the elderly. “The Older Americans Act takes steps forward to improve access to healthy foods to sustain a healthy lifestyle,” said Lauri Wright, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, in a press release applauding the Act’s passage.
Without further ado, here are some of the latest research studies on the benefits of supplements for seniors.

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