Vitamin and mineral supplement use in medically complex, community-living, older adults

Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2019 Apr;44(4):450-453. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2018-0515. Epub 2019 Jan 10.

Abstract

Individuals who take medications may benefit from using vitamin and/or mineral supplements (VMS) yet excess supplementation can lead to overuse (daily intake exceeding the tolerable upper intake level (UL)). This study assessed VMS use of medically complex, community-living, older adults. A chart review of 229 patients ≥50 years with new medication assessments between 2014 and 2017 indicated that 76.9% of patients used ≥1 VMS daily. The UL for one or more nutrients was exceeded by 39.8% of supplement users.

Keywords: Upper-Level; dietary supplement; mineral; minéraux; niveau supérieur; older adult; personne âgée; supplement; supplément; supplément alimentaire; vitamin; vitamine.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Dietary Supplements* / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Independent Living*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minerals / administration & dosage*
  • Minerals / adverse effects
  • Recommended Dietary Allowances*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamins / adverse effects

Substances

  • Minerals
  • Vitamins