Nonvitamin, Nonmineral Supplement Use and Beliefs About Safety and Efficacy Among Rural Older Adults in Southeast and South Central Idaho

Abstract

This study examined the use of herbal, botanical, and nonherbal dietary supplements (referred to as nonvitamin, nonmineral [NVNM] supplements) among rural older adults residing in southeast and south central Idaho, and explored perceptions of the safety and efficacy of these supplements. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 365 rural older adults participating in a congregate meals program at a local senior center using a written questionnaire developed for the study. Of the 365 study participants, 39.5% reported using NVNM supplements in the past 12 months. The majority of the participants felt that the NVNM supplements they used were effective, and few reported adverse effects. The majority of the participants felt that NVNM supplements were safe; however, safety concerns were expressed specifically in terms of concurrent use with prescription medication.