Over 65s
What NICE, the NHS and the British Dietetic Association advise for people over 65 on vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12 and fish liver oil, with prices per dose.
NICE's summary for GPs says to advise everyone aged 65 and over to take a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement all year round, and the NHS gives the same advice to anyone who is frail, housebound or living in a care home. For calcium, the NHS and NICE suggest a supplement if the diet falls short. The British Dietetic Association says people over 65 need foods with slightly more protein, calcium, folate and vitamin B12. Some supplements need more care with age: vitamin A (fish liver oil included), potassium and manganese.
NHS: People aged 65 and over are particularly at risk of malnutrition. See a GP about unplanned weight loss or other signs of it.
Each line below is a short summary of what the named source says, with a link to read it in full. None of it is medical advice.
Advised
Vitamin D
A vitamin the body makes when skin is in sunlight. Oily fish, eggs and fortified foods have some; supplements come as D3 or D2.
- NICE: GPs should advise everyone aged 65 and over to take 10 micrograms daily, all year.
- NHS: All year for anyone frail, housebound or living in a care home.
Also covered by nidirect, British Dietetic Association (Vitamin D; Eating, drinking and ageing well) and NHS.
Calcium
A mineral, most of it held in bones and teeth. Milk, cheese, yoghurt, fish eaten with its bones and fortified plant drinks are common sources.
- NHS: If your diet falls short, you may want a supplement with calcium and vitamin D.
Also covered by NHS, British Dietetic Association (Calcium; Eating, drinking and ageing well), nidirect and NICE.
Cheapest per 500 mg calcium · Other forms3pCompare 25 products
Limited evidence
Vitamin B12
A vitamin found in meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs, and added to some breakfast cereals and yeast extract.
- British Dietetic Association: Intake can be low in older adults; have fortified foods or animal products regularly.
Also covered by nidirect and NHS (Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia; B vitamins and folic acid).
Multivitamins
One tablet or capsule of several vitamins and minerals, often including vitamins A and D.
- British Dietetic Association: If one contains vitamin D, do not add a separate vitamin D supplement unless advised.
Also covered by NHS and British Dietetic Association.
Omega-3
Fats found in oily fish, and in some plant oils, nuts and seeds; supplements come from fish, krill or algae.
- British Dietetic Association: For the UK general population, the evidence on supplements is inconclusive.
- British Dietetic Association: Consider two or more portions of fish a week, one of them oily.
Advised against
Vitamin A and fish liver oil
Vitamin A in its retinol form, found in liver, fish liver oils such as cod liver oil, and many multivitamins.
- NHS: Older people are advised to avoid supplements containing retinol, including fish liver oil.
- nidirect: Over 1.5mg of vitamin A a day might increase the risk of bone fracture.
Also covered by NHS.
Things to check
- NHS: Do not take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D a day.
- British Dietetic Association: Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking vitamin D if told your calcium is high, or if you take steroids or certain other medicines.
- NHS: Taking more than 1,500mg of calcium a day could lead to stomach pain and diarrhoea.
- NHS: Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency affect around 1 in 10 people aged 75 or over; see a GP if you think you have one.
- NHS: Folic acid over 1mg a day can mask B12 deficiency, a particular concern for older people.
- NHS: Older people should not take potassium supplements unless a doctor advises it.
- NHS: Older people may be more sensitive to manganese: 0.5mg a day or less from supplements is unlikely to cause harm.
- NHS: Women past the menopause and older men should keep vitamin A from food and supplements to 1.5mg a day; many multivitamins contain it.
If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, check with a pharmacist or GP first.
Sources
- Vitamin D deficiency in adults: Scenario: Prevention of vitamin D deficiencyNICE's summary for GPs on vitamin D supplements for adults, and when to consider calcium.
- Vitamin DWho should consider a vitamin D supplement, how much, and the most to take in a day.
- Healthy eating for older adultsNorthern Ireland government advice on eating well in later life, including vitamin D, B12 and potassium.
- Keep bones healthy over 65Activity, food, and calcium and vitamin D supplements for bones after 65.
- CalciumWhere calcium comes from, how much adults need, and how much is safe to take.
- B vitamins and folic acidEach B vitamin, including B12 and folic acid: food sources, how much people need, and safe amounts.
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemiaSymptoms, causes, GP blood test and treatment of low B12 or folate, more common in older people.
- Food for healthy bonesCalcium and vitamin D for bones, and the limit on vitamin A for people at risk of osteoporosis.
- Vitamin AWhere vitamin A comes from, how much adults need, and the limit for older people.
- Vitamins and minerals - OthersOther minerals, including limits on potassium and manganese supplements for older people.
- MalnutritionSigns of malnutrition, who is most at risk, including people over 65, and when to see a GP.
- Eating, drinking and ageing wellThe dietitians' healthy eating guide for people over 65, including vitamin D, calcium and vitamin B12.
- Vitamin DWhere vitamin D comes from, who is at risk of low levels, including people over 65, and supplements.
- CalciumHow much calcium different people need, where it comes from, and topping up with a supplement.
- Malnutrition in older adultsSpotting and managing malnutrition in older adults, with food ideas.
- SupplementsWhether you need supplements, who may need which, how to choose one, and the risks.
- Omega-3Omega-3 fats, where they come from, fish advice and supplements.
Sources checked 28 September 2026. Prices checked 20 October 2026, ranked purely by price per dose. Which sources these pages use.