Magnesium
It helps your body make protein and bone and keeps your blood sugar stable. You can get it from nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. But older people tend to eat less of it. You’re also more likely to have health conditions like digestive problems or to take medications that keep your body from absorbing magnesium easily.
Zinc
Many American seniors don’t get enough of this under-appreciated micronutrient. It helps your sense of smell and taste, and fights infections and inflammation — all important jobs in older bodies. Zinc also may protect your vision. Oysters are far and away the best source of this mineral. Otherwise, you can get it from beef, crab, and fortified breakfast cereals.
