Vitamin and supplement use in healthy adults
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Prevalence and Patterns of Vitamin and Supplement Use in Healthy Adults
More than half of U.S. adults report using dietary supplements, with usage rates remaining stable at around 52% from 1999 to 2012. Multivitamin/multimineral (MVMM) products are the most commonly used, though their use has slightly declined over time. Other popular supplements include vitamin D, fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, and calcium. Women, older adults, and those with higher education levels are more likely to use supplements, and many users take more than one product regularly, often for years at a time 1238.
Motivations for Supplement Use Among Healthy Adults
The primary reasons healthy adults report for using supplements are to "improve" or "maintain" overall health. Women often use calcium for bone health, while men are more likely to use supplements for heart health or cholesterol management. Older adults are more likely to use supplements for specific health concerns such as heart, bone, joint, and eye health. Notably, less than a quarter of supplement use is based on healthcare provider recommendations, with most choices being self-directed 38.
Impact on Nutritional Adequacy and Deficiency
Regular supplement use is associated with higher intakes of most vitamins and minerals and a lower prevalence of nutrient inadequacies. Frequent MVMM use can nearly eliminate inadequacies for many nutrients, except for calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. However, supplement use can also slightly increase the risk of exceeding the recommended upper intake levels for some nutrients, though this remains uncommon (≤5% for any nutrient) 56.
Health Outcomes and Risks of Supplement Use
Despite widespread use, evidence shows little to no benefit from routine vitamin supplementation in healthy adults for preventing chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, or visual disorders. The benefits of supplementation are clear only in cases of diagnosed deficiencies or in specific high-risk groups. Some studies have found that high doses of certain supplements, such as beta-carotene and vitamin E, may increase health risks, particularly in specific populations like smokers or men taking high-dose calcium 4910.
Vitamin D and Mental Health
Research on vitamin D supplementation in healthy adults does not provide strong evidence for improvements in mental health outcomes, such as depression, mood, or quality of life. The results are inconsistent, and supplementation appears less effective than obtaining vitamin D from food sources or combining it with physical activity .
Supplement Use and Lifestyle Factors
Supplement users tend to have healthier lifestyles overall. They are more likely to report excellent or very good health, exercise more, avoid smoking, and consume alcohol moderately. These factors may confound the relationship between supplement use and health outcomes, making it important for studies to account for these differences 13.
Considerations for Healthy Adults
Routine vitamin and supplement use in healthy adults is common and can help address some nutrient inadequacies, especially in older adults. However, the evidence does not support widespread supplementation for disease prevention in those without specific deficiencies. Healthcare providers should guide supplement use, considering potential benefits, risks, and possible interactions with medications 49.
Conclusion
In summary, while vitamin and supplement use is prevalent among healthy adults and can improve nutrient intake, there is little evidence for broad health benefits in the absence of deficiency. Supplement use should be individualized, with attention to potential risks, and ideally guided by healthcare professionals.
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