Contribution of Dietary Supplements to Nutritional Adequacy in Various Adult Age Groups.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional survey analysis of national health survey data (NHANES 2009-2012).
PubMed 29211007 · doi:10.3390/nu9121325
What was done
Researchers analyzed cross-sectional data from 10,698 adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2012. They evaluated age-group differences (19-50, 51-70, and ≥71 years) in nutrient intake and inadequacy rates when consuming food alone compared to food plus dietary supplements across up to 19 nutrients, as well as intake rates exceeding Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL).
What was found
Adding dietary supplements to food intake was associated with significantly higher intakes (p < 0.01) for 15 to 16 of 19 nutrients across all adult age groups compared to food alone. Supplement use significantly reduced inadequacy rates for 6 of 17 nutrients in adults aged 19-50 years, 8 of 17 nutrients in adults aged 51-70 years, and 10 of 17 nutrients in adults aged ≥71 years. Older adults (≥71 years) had lower inadequacy rates for iron and vitamins A, C, D, and E, but higher inadequacy rates for calcium compared to younger groups. Intakes exceeding the UL increased for 8 to 9 of 13 nutrients, though these overages mostly occurred in less than 5% of the population.
Why it matters
This study demonstrates that dietary supplements substantially mitigate common micronutrient shortfalls in US adults, providing the greatest reduction in inadequacy rates among older populations.
Limits
The cross-sectional design cannot establish causality or track changes over time within individuals. Intake was based on self-reported survey recall rather than objective biomarker measurements or clinical outcomes, introducing potential reporting error. Specific nutrient-by-nutrient intake values and absolute inadequacy percentages were not reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- context Most people do not consume sufficient amounts of prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals through whole foods alone.