Dietary Supplements Aren't Associated with Lower Mortality

But adequate intake of nutrients from food confers health benefits.

Many U.S. adults report taking dietary supplements, despite no evidence of benefit. In a prospective cohort study, investigators evaluated the effects of dietary supplements and nutrient intake from foods and supplements on mortality in ≥30,000 adults who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and were followed for ≥6 years.

Fifty percent of participants used dietary supplements. In analyses adjusted for demographics, habits, and comorbid conditions, use of dietary supplements was not associated with lower mortality. However, people who did not maintain at least adequate intake of vitamins A and K, magnesium, and zinc from foods (according to Institute of Medicine standards) had excess risk for death. Exces…

Reviewing Author

Daniel D. Dressler, MD, MSc, SFHM, FACP

Disclosures

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill; Elsevier

Editorial BoardsMedical Clinics of North America; Caribbean Medical Journal International Advisory Panel (2021–2026)

Daniel D. Dressler, MD, MSc, SFHM, FACP

Disclosures

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill; Elsevier

Editorial BoardsMedical Clinics of North America; Caribbean Medical Journal International Advisory Panel (2021–2026)

Dietary Supplements Aren't Associated with Lower Mortality

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Reviewing Author