Micronutrient Intake in Children in Puerto Rico and the Contribution of Dietary Supplement Use

Abstract

Multivitamin and multimineral (MVMM) supplement use in children is associated with adequate intake of micronutrients. This has not been properly studied in Hispanic children.ObjectiveTo assess micronutrient intake and contribution of MVMM supplements in 12‐year‐old children in Puerto Rico (PR). Methods: As part of an “island‐wide” study in 1,550 children, diet and supplement use were assessed with a 24hr recall in a representative subsample (n=796). Micronutrient intake was compared among MVMM users and non‐users from food and beverages sources and supplements using t‐test.ResultsIn this analysis, only children using MVMM (9.3%) or not using any supplements and with complete data were included (n=732). Overall, the following nutrients were below the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) from food and beverages: vitamins A, D, E, and K, pantothenic acid, calcium and magnesium. Users had higher intakes of folate and riboflavin from the diet. When nutrients from supplements were added, users had higher intakes of all nutrients except vitamin K. Among non‐users, boys had higher intakes of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, and most B vitamins than girls. Essential nutrients for bone mass accretion (calcium, magnesium and vitamins D and K) were below the DRIs. When supplements were taken into account, intakes of these nutrients, except vitamin D, were still below the DRIs.ConclusionUse of MVMM supplements helped reach the DRIs but important nutrients are still below recommendations. Public health measures to improve micronutrient intake among children in PR are needed.