Vitamin and Mineral Supplements Have a Nutritionally Significant Impact on Micronutrient Intakes of Older Adults Attending Senior Centers

Abstract

Older adults frequently report use of vitamin and mineral (VM) supplements, although the impact of supplements on dietary adequacy remains largely unknown. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate micronutrient intakes of older adults with emphasis on identifying nutrients most improved by VM supplements, nutrients most likely to remain inadequate, and nutrients most likely consumed in excess. Community-based volunteers were recruited from senior centers and completed a questionnaire querying demographic data, current health status, and VM supplement use. Participants (n = 263) were then contacted by telephone to complete two 24-hour diet recalls and confirm VM supplement use. Dietary adequacy was determined by comparing the ratio of mean dietary intake to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). Dietary consumption was lowest for vitamins D and E, calcium, and magnesium. VM supplementation most improved intakes of vitamins E, D, B6, folic acid, and calcium. Participants were most likely to exceed the Tolerable Upper Limit with supplementation of niacin, folic acid, and vitamin A.

Food Intake of Kansans Over 80 Years of Age Attending Congregate Meal Sites

“…Nonetheless, it is important to note the general trends observed, especially when establishing why older adults often report food group intakes below recommended levels. The results presented here may be specific to Kansas, but previous analysis has shown participants in the current study were characteristically similar to other congregate meal attendees throughout the United States [8,17]. …”

“…The cutoff age of 80 years is consistent with the age categories used in the presentation of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) [4]. Details of sampling and recruitment were presented elsewhere [8]. All participants provided informed written consent on the day of enrollment and study procedures were approved by the Institutional Review Board at Kansas State University.…”

Suboptimal Micronutrient Intake among Children in Europe

“…Published studies have associated supplementation of vitamin D, which appears to enhance metabolism in several organs other than bone, such as immune function [ 25 ], with improved nutrient adequacy in both children and adults. [ 26 , 27 ] This finding has lead public health agencies in some countries (e.g., the U.K.) to recommend supplementation, particularly for children younger than age 5 years.…”

Micronutrient Needs of the Elderly

“…Dietary consumption was inadequate for vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium as part of a study conducted in seniors at senior centers. Supplementation in this group most improved intakes of vitamin B 6 , vitamin D, vitamin E, folate, and calcium 96 . Micronutrient supplementation in those with mild to moderate cognitive decline raised blood levels of vitamin A, the B vitamins, folate, and the carotenoids and was associated with an improved self‐perception of general health status in elderly test participants 97 .…”

“…Supplementation in this group most improved intakes of vitamin B 6 , vitamin D, vitamin E, folate, and calcium. 96 Micronutrient supplementation in those with mild to moderate cognitive decline raised blood levels of vitamin A, the B vitamins, folate, and the carotenoids and was associated with an improved self-perception of general health status in elderly test participants. 97 Our role is to guide the appropriate use of these supplements and to formulate a specific dietary plan with each individual.…”