Abstract
Many Americans have inadequate intakes of several nutrients. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 specifically identified vitamins A, C, D and E, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, choline and fiber as “underconsumed nutrients”. Based on nationally representative data in 10,698 adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), 2009–2012, assessments were made of age-group differences in the impact of dietary supplements on nutrient intake and inadequacies. Compared to food alone, use of any dietary supplement plus food was associated with significantly (p < 0.01) higher intakes of 15–16 of 19 nutrients examined in all age groups; and significantly reduced rates of inadequacy for 10/17, 8/17 and 6/17 nutrients examined among individuals age ≥71, 51–70 and 19–50 years, respectively. Compared to the other age groups, older adults (≥71 years) had lower rates of inadequacy for iron and vitamins A, C, D and E, but higher rates for calcium. An increased prevalence of intakes above the Tolerable Upper Intake Level was seen for 8–9 of 13 nutrients, but were mostly less than 5% of the population. In conclusion, dietary supplement use is associated with increased micronutrient intake, decreased inadequacies, and slight increases in prevalence above the UL, with greater benefits seen among older adults.
Highlights
Despite continued public health recommendations including recent dietary guidelines [1]providing guidance on healthful dietary patterns, many Americans do not adhere to these recommendations [2]
ND: Not determined as niacin Upper Tolerable Level (UL) is based on a particular form of niacin which is not quantified in National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). This is among the first analysis of NHANES data to examine micronutrient intakes from food alone and food plus dietary supplements among different US population age subgroups
While there were some differences in intakes from food alone in dietary supplement consumers and non-consumers, especially in the 19–50 years group, all age groups had greater than 25% of the population with intakes below the EAR for calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E
Summary
Despite continued public health recommendations including recent dietary guidelines [1]providing guidance on healthful dietary patterns, many Americans do not adhere to these recommendations [2]. Despite continued public health recommendations including recent dietary guidelines [1]. Studies have shown that Americans have inadequate intakes of several essential nutrients [3,4,5,6], despite an abundant supply of nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats [7]. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 (DGA) identified vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, choline, calcium, iron (for certain age/gender groups), magnesium, potassium and fiber as “underconsumed nutrients”; and vitamin D, calcium, potassium and fiber as “nutrients of public health concern” because low intakes are associated with a risk for chronic disease [1]. DGA recommends consuming nutrient dense foods as part of a healthy eating pattern and, in some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements to help achieve nutrient adequacy [1]
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