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Determinants of Dietary Supplement Use and Compliance by US Adults
Author(s) -
Bogale Alemtsehay,
MacKay Douglas,
Mitmesser Susan H
Publication year - 2017
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.31.1_supplement.640.25
Subject(s) - multivitamin , medicine , environmental health , compliance (psychology) , gerontology , national health and nutrition examination survey , affect (linguistics) , vitamin , vitamin d and neurology , demography , population , psychology , social psychology , communication , sociology
Evidence suggests that dietary supplement (DS) use, as a preventive measure to nutrient shortfalls, is among one of the components of a healthy life style. Objective To investigate consumer related factors that may affect DS use and compliance, and to recommend consumer centered tools and strategies to improve dietary supplement compliance. Method Data from The Council of Responsible Nutrition (CRN) Consumer Survey, published NHANES data and literature review was used to determine the prevalence, gender and age distribution, reasons for DS use and non‐use, and compliance and noncompliance by US adults. These data sources were utilized to compile a comprehensive list of reasons for DS use, reliable information sources of DS, and comparisons of nutrient profiles of DS users versus non‐users. Results Overall about 68% Americans use DS. In contrary to earlier findings that suggested increase, DS use remained stable at 68 % for five consecutive years from 2011–2015. Seventy five percent of DS users take multivitamin/mineral supplements followed by Vitamin D (37%), vitamin C (34%), calcium (29%), and vitamin B/B complex (24%). DS use tended to be higher in females (71%) but, compliance was higher in males (69%) than females (60%). Older adults age 55+ had both higher user prevalence (71%) and compliance (75%). Higher DS compliance was observed in the Northeast (68%) and South (69%) than Midwest (59%) and West (58%). The main reasons of DS use were: overall health (43%), energy (30%), to fill nutrient gap (28%), immune health (23%), bone health (22%), heart health (21%) healthy aging (20%), skin, hair & nails (19%) digestive health (17%) and joint health (17%). Physicians (55%), pharmacists (33%) and nutritionists (30%) were listed as a trusted source of information about DS. The primary reason indicated for noncompliance and non‐use was forgetfulness and not feeling the need. Among DS users, 10% for calcium and 25% for vitamin D did not meet the recommended daily intake, while 38% and 96% non‐users did not meet the daily requirement respectively. Other nutrients that fall short for both DS users and non‐users include potassium, magnesium, zinc, and, vitamins A, C, E and K. Conclusion Almost two thirds of Americans use DS for overall health, energy, and to fill nutrient gaps. DS users are more likely to meet the daily recommended nutrient amount than non‐users, however nutrient gaps continue to exist amongst DS users. Non‐compliance appears to be a potential barrier to meeting nutrient recommendations. Improved systems of DS delivery such as simplified regiment with improved sensory attributes and personalized products that target individual nutrient shortfalls may improve DS compliance and contribute to achieving recommended nutrient intakes. Imparting scientific research findings through trusted sources such as health care providers and nutritionists should be considered among the primary strategies in nutrition intervention programs to improve compliance.