To make sure your body is in tip-top shape as you age, make sure you're getting these vitamins and minerals in your diet or supplements.
A diet balanced with a variety of vitamins and minerals isn't just essential for overall health -- it's also important for aging well. This is particularly true because older adults are at a higher risk for low vitamin consumption, according to a paper published in Clinical Interventions in Aging. While your diet typically provides most of the vitamins and minerals you need, your doctor may recommend supplements to help with any deficiencies due to certain health conditions, medications or dietary restrictions. With that in mind, you should always consult your doctor before taking any supplement to ensure you are getting the nutrients your body needs. To learn more about the best vitamins and minerals for aging, we consulted experts to get their professional takes. 1. Magnesium Magnesium is a mineral that provides several key functions in the body. It keeps your muscles strong, regulates blood sugar levels and contributes to heart health. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, a board-certified internist in integrative medicine, told us that "magnesium is critical for well over 300 reactions in the body." He said an unprocessed diet has about 600 mg of magnesium daily, but the average American diet has less than 250 mg of magnesium after processing. For reference, the daily recommended amount of magnesium is 400 to 420 mg per day for adult men and 310 to 320 mg for women, but more is needed for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Dr. Teitelbaum warned that the effects of low magnesium may include an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. This can lead to heart attacks, strokes and dementia. You may also feel exhausted or experience widespread muscle pain if you're not getting enough magnesium. You can find magnesium in a wide range of ingredients. Dr. Peter Brukner, a specialist sports and exercise physician, said you can find magnesium in nuts, seeds, whole grains and leafy green vegetables like spinach. In extra yummy news, you can also get magnesium from dark…