Health Impacts of Long-term Use of Multiple Dietary Supplements

Overview:

The study examined the usage patterns, health, and nutritional status of individuals who are long-term users of multiple dietary supplements. The main points of the study were as follows:

Objective:

To describe supplement usage patterns, health status, and nutritional markers in long-term users of multiple dietary supplements, and compare these factors with users of single multivitamin/mineral supplements and non-users.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study involving 278 individuals who regularly used multiple dietary supplements (median of 26 different supplements daily) manufactured by Shaklee Corporation.

Comparison groups drawn from NHANES surveys: 176 users of a single multivitamin/mineral supplement and 602 non-users of any dietary supplements.

Information was collected via online questionnaires and physical exams, which included measurements of serum nutrient levels, blood biomarkers, blood pressure, body weight, and medical history.

Conclusions

Regular, long-term consumption of multiple dietary supplements was associated with improved nutritional and health status.

The authors suggest further research to confirm findings among different groups of supplement users.

Usage patterns, health, and nutritional status of long-term multiple dietary supplement users: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: Block G, Jensen CD, Norkus EP, Dalvi TB, Wong LG, McManus JF, Hudes ML. Nutr J. 2007 Oct 24;6:30.
PubMed Citation PMID: 17958896.
PDF Manuscript: Nutr J 2007.

In Plain Terms:

This study looked at the health and nutrition of people who have regularly taken many dietary supplements for a long time. Researchers wanted to see if those taking several supplements were healthier and had better nutrition compared to people who took just one multivitamin or no supplements at all.

What did the researchers do?

  • They studied 278 individuals who regularly used many different dietary supplements each day (about 26 different supplements on average), all made by Shaklee Corporation.
  • They compared this group to people from a large national survey (NHANES), including 176 people who took only a single multivitamin/mineral supplement and 602 people who didn’t take any supplements.
  • Information was gathered through online surveys and physical health exams, including blood tests, blood pressure measurements, weight checks, and medical history.

What did the study find?

  • The supplements commonly taken daily by more than half of the group included multivitamins, vitamins B and C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium with vitamin D, and herbal supplements like glucosamine and coenzyme Q10. Men and women had slightly different preferences.
  • People who took multiple supplements regularly had higher levels of important nutrients in their blood.
  • These individuals also showed healthier levels of several important health indicators, including lower levels of inflammation (CRP), lower triglycerides, lower homocysteine (linked to heart health), and higher “good” HDL cholesterol.
  • Long-term users of multiple supplements had a lower risk of high blood pressure and diabetes and reported better overall health than people taking only one or no supplements

 

What does this mean?

Regularly taking multiple dietary supplements over a long period may improve overall nutrition and health. However, the authors emphasize the need for more research to confirm these results in different groups and to better understand the long-term effects of using many supplements daily.