More than 75 per cent of those in a recent survey were taking a vitamin or mineral supplement.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina have been looking into supplement use as part of a study on cancer risk. They studied a group of nearly 46,000 men and women aged between 50 and 75 and learned that more than 75 per cent took some kind of supplement.

The most popular supplements are vitamins C and E, calcium, folate and selenium. Use is most popular among those who are older, female, highly educated and with normal body weight. Some people with medical conditions take supplements, perhaps to self-treat. For instance, folate and vitamin E are popular among those with heart problems, while those with high cholesterol favor niacin.

There is some evidence from the survey that women take supplements to prevent disease, while men are more likely to take them for treating an existing condition. The survey underlines the importance of healthcare providers finding out what supplements patients are on, and ensuring these are likely to help rather than harm them or be ineffective.

Source

American Journal of Preventive Medicine January 2003