Thursday, February 25, 2010

What Is Centrum Silver Used For

Centrum Silver is a brand of multivitamin developed especially for people ages 50 and older. People of different ages have different needs for nutrition and calorie intake, and Centrum Silver is designed to address both--to supply necessary nutrients and vitamins for older adults at a time when a healthy diet requires them to eat less than they once did.


Key Components


Centrum Silver contains vitamins C and E, both of which are antioxidants. These protect cells from damage and aid in natural cell repair. Antioxidants are recommended as part of a lifestyle to help prevent certain cancers.


Centrum Silver also contains vitamins B6, B12 and Lycopene, which are said to be good for the heart; lutein and Vitamin A for maintaining good eyesight; and calcium and Vitamin D for bone strength.


Balance








Many multivitamins contain the vitamins and nutrients listed above. Centrum Silver, however, carries them in a specifically balanced amount to meet the needs of men and women over age 50.


For example, a Centrum Silver tablet contains 150 percent of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, 417 percent of the recommended daily of Vitamin B12 intake, and 167 percent of the daily Vitamin E intake.


A chewable Centrum Silver contains slightly different amounts of those vitamins; 125 percent of the daily Vitamin C intake and 233 percent of the Vitamin E intake, for example. The chewables also contain 5 calories each.


It is, however, not meant to supply the full necessary daily amount of lutein; the makers of the vitamin recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to meet that need.


Men's Formula








Centrum also makes Silver vitamins specially formulated for men and women. These carry different balances of the vitamins above. For example, the men's vitamin contains a slightly higher amount of Vitamin C (200 percent) and 1,667 percent of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12, known for providing the body with energy.


Women's Formula


A Centrum Silver Women's vitamin also has a high B12 content (833 percent), and 200 percent of the daily Vitamin D intake, which is known to support bone health and is said to promote breast health.


The B12 dosage is especially important. "As we age, our ability to absorb vitamin B12 through food decreases. People over 50 need more B12 in a multivitamin," according to consumersearch.com's review of Centrum Silver.


Is It Best for You?


Centrum is a well-known maker of multivitamins, and its Silver product has sold well and been on the market for years. Still, it is best to talk to your doctor before making significant changes in nutrition, especially if you take medication regularly.

Tags: Centrum Silver, Vitamin intake, daily Vitamin, daily Vitamin intake, percent daily, percent daily Vitamin, percent recommended