Supplements for Older Athletes
Photo by Formula Health
To stay sharp and keep going strong, athletes over fifty need to pay special attention to a few key areas of their nutrition. In this article we share the top five supplements for older athletes and why they matter.
Antioxidants – We actually did an entire blog just about antioxidants, so if you’re interested in learning the about the general uses of antioxidants just hop over there for the full scoop. For older athletes, the importance of antioxidants comes down to fighting free radicals and certain specific system supports like coQ10 for heart health or lutein for eye health. The good news? Antioxidants are all around us! Vitamins C and E are both antioxidants and other antioxidants can be found in fruits, veggies, and whole grains. One easy (and low sodium) addition of antioxidants in your diet is Nuun Vitamins! Each serving has 11 different vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, C, D, and E.
Vitamin B – If you’re eating a colorful, well-rounded diet you are taking in a variety of vitamins every day. However, B vitamins are found only in a small number of food items so if you’re not consuming those items regularly then you run the risk of deficiencies. Since most B vitamins are found in animal products (like eggs and meat) if you’re vegetarian or watching your cholesterol then you want to ensure that you’re taking a B vitamin supplement since B vitamins play a crucial role in helping your body turn food into fuel to power your workouts.
Protein – As we age, we lose muscle faster. To combat this and to help keep you active, protein is key. Whether you’re an endurance athlete or into strength training, your body requires more protein than the average person. This is especially important to keep in mind if you’re cooking for others who aren’t athletes. Make sure you’re getting the protein you need! The amino acids in protein also help your body make collagen which helps maintain joins, muscles, and bones.
Fish Oil or Omega 3 – It’s very challenging to eat the recommended amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet if you’re not eating fish multiple times a week. Fish oil supplements help bridge this gap and the Omega 3 fatty acid has a number of health benefits including supporting heart and brain health. You’re not going to get very far in your workouts without those two working at full capacity! One thing to note about buying Omega 3 supplements: you may want to opt for versions that source this nutrient from seaweed or seeds as they are more sustainably harvested than those made from fish.
BCAAs – Muscle maintenance and repair are the key benefits from BCAA consumption. Taken before a strenuous workout they can delay the onset of fatigue and help provide muscles with energy. Taken after a workout they can encourage muscle growth and repair and limit the muscle soreness often felt the day after a workout. Nuun’s Podium Series products contain Vegan BCAAs. You can read more about the role of BCAAs in workout supplements here or you can shop Nuun Prime and Nuun Recover to add Vegan BCAAs to your fitness routine.
