Overview of Dietary Supplement Use Among Older Adults

Prevalence and Purpose

Approximately 50% of the adult population in the United States, particularly those aged 60 and older, utilize dietary supplements to improve their health and well-being. Recent studies have explored the implications of these supplements on health outcomes for older adults.

Challenges Faced by Older Adults

Older adults often encounter financial, social, and health-related challenges that can lead to poor dietary habits, which frequently coincide with deteriorating health conditions. As a result, many turn to dietary supplements to help fulfill the recommended dietary intakes of various micronutrients.

Health Risks of Supplement Use

However, the use of dietary supplements can pose significant health risks. Supplements may lead individuals to surpass the recommended Tolerable Upper Intake Levels, particularly as many foods are already fortified with micronutrients. Additionally, interactions between supplements and prescription medications can result in adverse health effects.

Research Insights on Supplement Use

Study Overview

A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition investigated the high prevalence of dietary supplement use among older adults in the U.S. The research examined various factors, such as demographics (sex, age, race, education, income), lifestyle choices (physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption), and health factors (health status, insurance, and recent prescription medications), in a cohort of 3,469 adults aged 60 and over.

Findings on Supplement Consumption

The study found that within a 30-day period, a significant portion (70%) of older adults used at least one dietary supplement, primarily multivitamins, minerals, B or D vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Most (over 79%) took these supplements daily. Additionally, 73% of participants consumed dietary supplements alongside more than three prescription medications.

Demographic Variations in Supplement Use

Generally, women were found to use dietary supplements more frequently than men. Interestingly, individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds with poorer health and lifestyle habits were less likely to utilize supplements, despite potentially benefiting the most from them. In contrast, individuals over 70 years old from non-Hispanic white and Asian backgrounds were more likely to use supplements to enhance and maintain their health rather than to address dietary deficiencies.

The Importance of Healthcare Guidance

One critical issue identified is that many individuals taking prescription medications do not seek advice from healthcare professionals regarding dietary supplement use. Given the considerable overlap of individuals using both medications and supplements, monitoring by healthcare providers is essential. Many users also take supplements for health rather than dietary purposes, often neglecting to consider the fortified nature of their food intake, which could lead to exceeding tolerable upper intake levels.

Recommendations for Supplement Use

Need for Reformulation Review

In light of the findings, researchers recommend a review of multivitamin and mineral formulations for older adults to prevent excessive nutrient consumption.

References

Gahche JJ, Bailey RL, Potischman N, et al. Dietary supplement use was very high among older adults in the United States in 2011-2014. J Nutr. 2017. Available from: doi.10.3945/jn.117.255984.

Related Topics of Interest

– Can a dietary supplement protect against cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease?
– Dietary Supplements Do Not Affect Lifespan
– Antioxidant Capacity of Trans-resveratrol Dietary Supplements
– Taking Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss May Be Dangerous
– Potential Dietary Supplement for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Sufferers