Chances are that you’re not giving your body everything that it needs to flourish. This is perfectly natural. We’re busier than ever, and when we’re busy, things like carefully planning out meals so they’re nutritionally dense and full of every single vitamin and nutrient that you need is challenging. 

Then there’s the fact that, as we get older, many of our key functions just start to slow down. Working to boost these key functions can be a challenge, but it’s so much easier to do when you take supplements. So, which ones should you focus on the most as you get older? Here’s a top outline from Vitamin D to NAD.

1. Vitamin D 

As we age, bone density drops, our immune system starts to crawl rather than run, and our muscle mass decreases. One thing that we need to boost those levels is Vitamin D. Like NAD+, Vitamin D works to support those key bone, muscle, and immune responses in our bodies. Unlike NAD+, we typically get our Vitamin D from the sun. As we get older, however, our ability to absorb Vitamin D from the sun decreases, which is why taking 600 to 800 IU of Vitamin D every day is highly recommended for those over the age of fifty. 

2. NAD 

NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It’s a molecule that boosts ATP, the energy currency in your cells, repairs DNA, and even boosts your metabolism. While it’s a new area of science, there have been very promising results that show you can combat your body’s naturally declining NAD+ levels as you age with supplements. Taking these supplements is thought to boost cardiovascular, energy, and metabolic functions in the body. 

3. Calcium 

Once again tied to bone density is calcium. Not only are adults increasingly consuming less calcium, but they also lose their ability to process said calcium as they age. Thankfully, boosting your NAD+ levels can help to increase your metabolic rate, which in turn can help you to absorb more nutrients from your diet. That said, if you’ve reduced your intake of calcium-rich foods, it’s key that you take a 1,200mg supplement every day.

4. Probiotics 

Another great way to boost your metabolism along with NAD is to increase the probiotics you ingest. Probiotics are healthy, beneficial bacteria that live inside your gut. They work to boost digestion and increase your immune function. Boost your gut’s microbiome by eating more fermented foods like kefir, or by taking a supplement with at least 10 billion colony-forming units per day. 

5. Omega-3 

Omega-3 is anti-inflammatory and is also great for your heart health. There has even been increasing evidence that they can help lower your risk of developing dementia. These anti-inflammatory and immune boosting benefits are supported further by other supplements in this list, especially probiotics, which all work to help to fortify your body against common age-related health issues. 

6. Vitamin B12 

This vitamin boosts nerve function, red blood cell production and even plays a role in DNA synthesis. It works closely with NAD to help improve energy production and function throughout the body. In typical fashion, our bodies become less proficient at absorbing B12 as we age, which is why taking a 2.4mcg supplement every day is highly recommended.