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Trends in Mineral Supplement Prescriptions from Military Treatment Facilities: 2007 to 2011
Author(s) -
Attipoe Selasi,
Jones Donnamaria,
Stephens Mark B.,
Deuster Patricia A.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.859.8
Subject(s) - medical prescription , medicine , pharmacy , family medicine , pharmacology
Mineral supplements (MS), such as calcium and iron, are readily available over the counter and are some of the most frequently consumed dietary supplements (DS). Healthcare providers also prescribe MS for treatment of certain conditions and maintenance of health. This study examines trends in MS prescriptions at Military Treatment Facilities (MTF). METHODS Data from the Department of Defense (DoD) Pharmacoeconomic Center (PEC) was used to determine all MS prescriptions disbursed by MTF pharmacies between 2007 and 2011. RESULTS Overall, 1,797,982 calcium; 847,370 iron; 166,318 magnesium; and 23,297 zinc prescriptions were dispensed over this five‐year period. Whereas the number of zinc prescriptions decreased considerably by an average of 30% across the five‐year period, calcium and magnesium prescriptions increased slightly by 4% and 9%, respectively. Iron prescriptions dispensed were relatively stable across the five years. CONCLUSION Patterns of MS prescriptions change over time. Whether the patterns within the DoD medical system are comparable to the civilian medical system is unknown. Also, it is not known whether the DS being prescribed are effective for the intended use. FUNDING: This study was supported by Center Alliance for Dietary Supplement Research (NA91FD).