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The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging 2022Despite limited evidence of clinical benefits, dietary supplement use is increasingly common among older adults. The aim of this study was to characterise the prevalence...
OBJECTIVES
Despite limited evidence of clinical benefits, dietary supplement use is increasingly common among older adults. The aim of this study was to characterise the prevalence of dietary supplement use in a national sample of community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults and investigate factors associated with its use.
DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS
This was a cross-sectional study using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a biennial, nationally representative survey of individuals aged 50 years and older in the United States. This study combined data from the 2013/14 Health Care and Nutrition Survey (HCNS) and 2012 Core Survey.
MEASUREMENTS
The primary outcome was the use of any dietary supplement at least once a week. Secondary outcomes were the use of multivitamins and specific vitamin and supplement types. Multivariable regression models were used to identify factors associated with any dietary supplement use.
RESULTS
A total of 6045 participants (weighted n = 71,268,015) were included in the final analytical sample (mean age 67.7 years, 59.3% female). Of these, 84.6% (n=60,292,704) were regular dietary supplement users, with participants taking a mean of 3.2±0.1 different dietary supplements and 41.9% taking four or more. Multivitamins were the most common, used by 57.5% (n=41,147,146) of participants. Other commonly used dietary supplements were vitamin D, fish oil, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin B12. Older age (75+ years), female sex, higher education, daily alcohol use, vigorous physical activity, regular medication use, and arthritis were associated with higher odds of dietary supplement use.
CONCLUSIONS
In this sample of middle-aged and older Americans, more than 4 out of 5 used a dietary supplement. Certain demographic, behavioural, and clinical factors were associated with their use. Given the lack of evidence for improving health outcomes, our findings suggest potential overuse of dietary supplements in people over the age of 50.
Topics: Animals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Female; Male; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Status; United States; Vitamins
PubMed: 35166304
DOI: 10.1007/s12603-022-1732-9 -
Nutrients Feb 2023During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of cure and the intensity of the global spread raised a common awareness of health. The aim of this scoping... (Review)
Review
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of cure and the intensity of the global spread raised a common awareness of health. The aim of this scoping review is to summarize dietary supplement use globally during first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic search was conducted in December 2021 following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, ERIC, and Scopus databases were searched, and 956 results were screened for eligibility. Fourteen cross-sectional studies from 11 countries and 3 continents were examined. All studies were large population surveys investigating healthy eating and supplement use during COVID-19. Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and multivitamins were the most widely reported, as well as natural/herbal products such as ginger and honey. The most common reason cited for supplements use was to strengthen immune system and to prevent infection of COVID-19. These studies reported that populations are relying on healthcare providers, family, friends, and social media to learn about supplement use. Future studies on the treatment of COVID-19 should include more evidence for supplement use.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Pandemics; Vitamins
PubMed: 36771480
DOI: 10.3390/nu15030771 -
Nutrients May 2023Sleep is a crucial component of health, and insomnia is among the most common and vexing of life-habit-related disorders. While dietary sleep-support supplements can... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Sleep is a crucial component of health, and insomnia is among the most common and vexing of life-habit-related disorders. While dietary sleep-support supplements can improve sleep, choosing an effective dietary supplement can be challenging for users due to the wide variety of options available and the varying effects experienced by different individuals. In this study, to identify new criteria for estimating the effects of dietary supplements, we examined the relationships among the dietary supplements, the pre-conditions (PCs; defined as the life habits and sleep conditions before supplementation), and the sleep problems of subjects before supplementation. An open, randomized, cross-over intervention trial enrolling 160 subjects was conducted to test the efficacy of each dietary supplement (Analysis 1) and the relationships among dietary supplements, the PCs, and sleep problems (Analysis 2). To this end, l-theanine (200 mg/day), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (111.1 mg/day), leaf extract (AVLE) (50 mg/day), and l-serine (300 mg/day) were administered to subjects. Before the first intervention period, life habits and sleep conditions were surveyed to identify each subject's PCs. For each combination of supplements and sleep problems, PCs were compared between subjects whose sleep problems were improved and subjects whose sleep problems were not improved via supplementation. All the tested supplements were found to ameliorate sleep problems significantly (Analysis 1). In Analysis 2, the PCs specific to improved subjects were found to differ depending on the dietary supplements and sleep problems. In addition, subjects who consumed dairy products often showed improvement in their sleep problems with all the tested supplements. This study suggests the possibility of personalizing sleep-support supplementation based on personal life habits, sleep conditions, and sleep problems, in addition to the known efficacy of dietary supplements.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Supplements; Sleep; Surveys and Questionnaires; Habits; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 37242260
DOI: 10.3390/nu15102377 -
Annual Review of Nutrition Aug 2023Precise dietary assessment is critical for accurate exposure classification in nutritional research, typically aimed at understanding how diet relates to health. Dietary... (Review)
Review
Precise dietary assessment is critical for accurate exposure classification in nutritional research, typically aimed at understanding how diet relates to health. Dietary supplement (DS) use is widespread and represents a considerable source of nutrients. However, few studies have compared the best methods to measure DSs. Our literature review on the relative validity and reproducibility of DS instruments in the United States [e.g., product inventories, questionnaires, and 24-h dietary recalls (24HR)] identified five studies that examined validity ( = 5) and/or reproducibility ( = 4). No gold standard reference method exists for validating DS use; thus, each study's investigators chose the reference instrument used to measure validity. Self-administered questionnaires agreed well with 24HR and inventory methods when comparing the prevalence of commonly used DSs. The inventory method captured nutrient amounts more accurately than the other methods. Reproducibility (over 3 months to 2.4 years) of prevalence of use estimates on the questionnaires was acceptable for common DSs. Given the limited body of research on measurement error in DS assessment, only tentative conclusions on these DS instruments can be drawn at present. Further research is critical to advancing knowledge in DS assessment for research and monitoring purposes.
Topics: Humans; United States; Reproducibility of Results; Dietary Supplements; Diet; Surveys and Questionnaires; Nutrients
PubMed: 37196365
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-011923-020327 -
Nutrition Journal Feb 2014Dietary supplements are used by half to two-thirds of American adults, and the evidence suggests that this usage is one component of a larger effort to develop a... (Review)
Review
Dietary supplements are used by half to two-thirds of American adults, and the evidence suggests that this usage is one component of a larger effort to develop a healthier lifestyle. Dietary supplement users tend on average to be better educated and to have somewhat higher incomes than nonusers, and these factors may contribute to their health-consciousness. Dietary supplement use also tends to be more prevalent among women than among men, and the prevalence of use increases with age in both men and women. Numerous surveys document that users of dietary supplements are significantly more likely than nonusers to have somewhat better dietary patterns, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid tobacco products. While supplement users tend to have better diets than nonusers, the differences are relatively small, their diets have some substantial nutrient shortfalls, and their supplement use has been shown to improve the adequacy of nutrient intakes. Overall, the evidence suggests that users of dietary supplements are seeking wellness and are consciously adopting a variety of lifestyle habits that they consider to contribute to healthy living.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; Educational Status; Ethnicity; Exercise; Female; Food Assistance; Habits; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Requirements; Vitamins
PubMed: 24499096
DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-14 -
Nutrients Feb 2023Dietary supplements are widely used among athletes, but many may be unaware of the potential for unintentional doping, especially considering that supplements can often... (Review)
Review
Dietary supplements are widely used among athletes, but many may be unaware of the potential for unintentional doping, especially considering that supplements can often be contaminated with prohibited substances. The reason behind the widespread use of dietary supplements among athletes is often cited as being for the purposes of enhancing health or performance. However, many athletes turn to unreliable sources of information, and often lack knowledge of dietary supplement regulations. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the current research surrounding the psychological constructs (such as norms, attitudes, and beliefs) related to dietary supplement use among athletes that may lead to inadvertent doping. This review also covers possible programme structures that may be effective at preventing inadvertent doping.
Topics: Humans; Doping in Sports; Athletes; Attitude; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 36839238
DOI: 10.3390/nu15040881 -
Journal of Preventive Medicine and... Jun 2022Lymphedema is a chronic inflammatory disorder resulting from ineffective fluid uptake by the lymphatic system, and the effects are principally felt in the lower limbs.... (Review)
Review
Lymphedema is a chronic inflammatory disorder resulting from ineffective fluid uptake by the lymphatic system, and the effects are principally felt in the lower limbs. The condition is said to be primary when caused by genetic mutations and secondary when caused by injuries, infections, or surgery. Lymphedema, a worldwide pathology, does not have an effective therapy so far. Leukotriene B4 has recently been identified as a key molecule in lymphedema pathogenesis. Surgical, nonsurgical, and pharmacological treatments have been proposed; however, they do not cure the disease and only ameliorate the symptoms. Nutrition and nutritional status are extremely important in lymphedema physiopathology. Obesity is a comorbidity that exacerbates the risk for secondary lymphedema and constitutes a negative prognostic factor. Indeed, anti-inflammatory foods and their effects on the inflammatory state and on oxidative stress are now being investigated for their possible therapeutic role in lymphedema. Although no special diet has so far been proven to be very effective, specific dietary tips could help in alleviating the edematous state of patients with lymphedema. A few supplements have been tested for lymphedema treatment. Among them, GARLIVE containing hydroxytyrosol, hesperidin, spermidine and vitamin A, exhibited promising effects in the animal model. Hydroxytyrosol, a polyphenol from olives, showed anti-inflammatory effects and reduced leukotriene B4 synthesis, thus holding promise as a potential natural candidate for lymphedema treatment.
Topics: Humans; Leukotriene B4; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 36479479
DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2761 -
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and... Mar 2022The prevalence of dietary supplement intake among preadolescent endurance runners is currently unknown.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of dietary supplement intake among preadolescent endurance runners is currently unknown.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to describe use of dietary supplements, higher-risk supplements, and sport foods among preadolescent endurance athletes and identify associated characteristics of dietary supplement users in this population.
DESIGN
This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study.
PARTICIPANTS/SETTING
Participants were 2,113 preadolescent endurance runners (male: n = 1,255, female: n = 858; mean age ± standard deviation = 13.2 ± 0.9 years).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Use of dietary supplements, higher-risk dietary supplements, and sport foods on 2 or more days per week during the past year.
STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED
Mann-Whitney U tests, χ tests, univariate and multivariate analyses.
RESULTS
Twenty-six percent (n = 551) of preadolescent runners used dietary supplements on 2 or more days per week during the past year; 1.3% (n = 27) reported taking higher-risk supplements. Compared with male runners, female runners reported higher use of 1 or more supplements (32.5% vs 21.7%; P < .001) and 4 or more supplements (4.0% vs 1.9%; P = 0.005), multivitamin/minerals (24.2% vs 14.4%; P < .001), vitamin D (12.4% vs 5.6%; P < .001), calcium (8.9% vs 4.8%; P < .001), iron (3.1 vs 1.1%; P < .001), probiotic supplements (8.2% vs 1.3%; P < .001), and diet pills (0.5% vs 0.0%; P = .02). Male runners reported higher use of creatine (1.3% vs 0.0%; P < .001) and sport foods, including protein bars and drinks (19.5% vs 8.4%; P < .001), energy bars (23.5% vs 9.7%; P < .001), and carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks (27.9% vs 13.3%; P < .001) than female runners. Factors independently associated with a higher likelihood for dietary supplement use included weight loss in the past year, female (vs male) gender, following a vegetarian diet, skipping meals, attempting to gain weight, and history of a running-related bone stress injury.
CONCLUSIONS
More than one-quarter of preadolescent runners regularly consumed dietary supplements. Behaviors consistent with dietary restriction and history of bone stress injury were associated with higher likelihood for supplement use. Further work to understand supplement use patterns and potential value for nutrition education is advised to optimize health of preadolescent runners.
Topics: Adolescent; Athletes; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Male; New England; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Running; Schools; Self Report
PubMed: 35195521
DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2021.07.013 -
Nutrients Aug 2021We describe the profile of dietary supplement use and its correlates in the Epirus Health Study cohort, which consists of 1237 adults (60.5% women) residing in urban... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Observational Study
We describe the profile of dietary supplement use and its correlates in the Epirus Health Study cohort, which consists of 1237 adults (60.5% women) residing in urban north-west Greece. The association between dietary supplement use and demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, personal medical history and clinical measurements was assessed using logistic regression models, separately for women and men. The overall prevalence of dietary supplement use was 31.4%, and it was higher in women (37.3%) compared to men (22.4%; -value = 4.2). Based on multivariable logistic regression models, dietary supplement use in women was associated with age (positively until middle-age and slightly negatively afterwards), the presence of a chronic health condition (OR = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.18-2.46), lost/removed teeth (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.35-0.78) and diastolic blood pressure (OR per 5 mmHg increase =0.84; 95% CI, 0.73-0.96); body mass index and worse general health status were borderline inversely associated. In men, dietary supplement use was positively associated with being employed (OR = 2.53; 95% CI, 1.21-5.29). A considerable proportion of our sample used dietary supplements, and the associated factors differed between women and men.
Topics: Adult; Dietary Supplements; Female; Greece; Health Behavior; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Status; Humans; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Sex Factors
PubMed: 34445018
DOI: 10.3390/nu13082857 -
Food and Chemical Toxicology : An... Aug 2018Due to the extensive use of botanical dietary supplements by consumers in the United States, there is a need for appropriate research and data to support safety... (Review)
Review
Due to the extensive use of botanical dietary supplements by consumers in the United States, there is a need for appropriate research and data to support safety assessments. Complexity and variability, both natural and introduced, of botanical dietary supplements make research on these products difficult. Botanical dietary supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), as amended by the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). They are regulated as a category of food, which differs from the regulation of pharmaceutical products. Both manufacturers and the FDA are faced with the challenge of determining the best approaches for evaluating and monitoring the safety of botanical products. High quality botanicals research requires accurate identification and characterization of the material being studied. Inconsistent results in efficacy studies of botanical dietary supplements have led to efforts to improve the rigor and reproducibility of research in the field. Addressing the challenges associated with botanical dietary supplement safety is a global effort requiring coordination between numerous stakeholders, including researchers, suppliers, manufacturers, and regulators, all of whom play a role in ensuring that high quality products are available on the market.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Food Safety; Humans; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 29626579
DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.04.007