Choosing Nutritional Supplements for Seol Gifts... Age-Appropriate Selection Is Essential

A Lunar New Year gift set is displayed at a large supermarket in downtown Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] As interest in health and immunity increases, the number of people giving nutritional supplements as gifts for the Lunar New Year is also rising. Since each supplement contains different ingredients, it is best to choose appropriate supplements according to age groups when gifting.

First, recommended nutrients for teenagers are ▲probiotics ▲omega-3 ▲multivitamins. These nutrients help with brain development and fatigue recovery for students and adolescents who spend long hours studying.

For those in their 20s and 30s, ▲multivitamins ▲milk thistle ▲folic acid are recommended. As the most active generation, they have high physical activity levels, so taking high-dose active multivitamins is beneficial. Also, if they frequently consume alcohol due to gatherings, it is good to take milk thistle, which protects liver cells. For those preparing for pregnancy, folic acid, an essential nutrient for normal fetal development, is also recommended.

People in their 40s and 50s benefit from ▲multivitamins ▲calcium ▲magnesium ▲vitamin C. Unlike those in their 20s and 30s, it is better to consider lifestyle patterns and condition when choosing multivitamins. If experiencing fatigue or frequent alcohol intake, selecting high-dose active products is advisable. If digestive function is poor and there is abdominal discomfort, multivitamins containing a variety of ingredients are preferable. Calcium is a component of bones and helps prevent bone density loss in menopausal women. Magnesium aids calcium absorption, muscle relaxation, and stress relief, helping with fatigue recovery. Vitamin C removes reactive oxygen species and has anti-aging effects.

For those aged 60 and above, ▲vitamin D ▲omega-3 ▲selenium are essential nutrients. Vitamin D helps calcium absorption and plays an important role in maintaining immune function. Especially for those over 65, higher intake is recommended. Omega-3 comprehensively helps improve blood circulation, relieve dry eyes, and enhance memory. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that removes reactive oxygen species causing cell aging. Many products contain selenium along with other ingredients, so it is recommended to choose according to health goals.

A representative from the personalized nutrition management app Philize said, "We have selected essential nutrients by age group that make great gifts for loved ones during the Lunar New Year holiday," adding, "Nutrients requiring caution depending on health conditions were excluded from the recommendations."