This study assessed possible dietary supplement-medication interactions of 62 older adults recruited from 8 senior congregate sites in Bexar County, Texas. Dietary supplement and medication use were collected by paper questionnaire and potential supplement-medication interactions were assessed using online databases. The majority of participants reported dietary supplements (77%), non-prescription medication (50%), and prescription medication (73%) use. Fifty percent of participants who reported dietary supplement and medication use were at-risk for a potential supplement-medication interaction, ranging from one to eight potential interactions. Calcium and multivitamin-mineral supplements were the most common dietary supplements with potential medication interactions. Surveyed older adults reported dietary supplements should be reported to a physician (97%), but over 20% believe herbal products are pure (38%) and dietary supplements are risk free (34%) and will not cause harm (22%). In conclusion, regular education and screening of dietary supplement and medication use among older adults is recommended.
Keywords: Dietary supplement; interaction; medication; older adults.