Use of vitamin, mineral, nonvitamin, and nonmineral supplements in the United States: the 1987, 1992, and 2000 National Health Interview Survey results - 24/08/11

Doi : 10.1016/j.jada.2004.03.022

Amy E. Millen, PhD, Kevin W. Dodd, PhD, Amy F. Subar, PhD, MPH, RD ⁎

^*Address for correspondence: Amy F. Subar, PhD, RD, MPH, Nutritionist, National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Applied Research Program, Risk Factor Monitoring and Methods Branch, 6130 Executive Blvd, MSC 7344, EPN 4005, Bethesda, MD 20892-7344, USA

Abstract

Objective

To describe trends in use of specific vitamin and mineral (VM) supplements.

Design

The nationally representative National Health Interview Survey queried adult respondents about their use of VM supplements in 1987, 1992, and 2000.

Statistical analysis

Trends in use of VM supplements from 1987 to 2000 were determined using linear contrasts.

Results

The percentage of adults using any VM supplement daily increased from 23.2% (1987) to 23.7% (1992) to 33.9% (2000). This pattern was consistent for both sexes, all race/ethnic groups, and adults aged ≥25 years. The increase in the percentage of daily users of multivitamins, vitamin A, and vitamin E was 10.5, 1.2, and 7.3 percentage points, respectively, from 1987 to 2000. Increases in daily use of vitamin C (3.3 percentage points) and calcium (6.1 percentage points) occurred between 1992 and 2000. All trend analyses were significant at P<.001. In the 2000 National Health Interview Survey personnel queried the use of nonvitamin/nonmineral supplements for the first time. At that time, 6.0% of respondents reported using them daily.

Conclusion

The increasing trend in supplement use over time and the notable use of nonvitamin/nonmineral supplements in 2000 indicates the continued need to monitor the use of all types of dietary supplements for purposes of dietary surveillance and nutrition-related research.

Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.