Feature of the Month

Dietary Supplements and Older Adults

The use of micro nutrient, non-prescription supplements by older adults varies among studies from 30% to 72%. While it’s easy for consumers to find and buy supplements, it may be harder for them to find out the facts about them. Supplements can include vitamins and minerals, herbals, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and animal extracts. Practitioners who work with older adults, like dietitians, physicians, or Extension educators, can fill this need if they stay well-informed about the latest research on the health benefits, and potential harm, of the many supplements on the market.

Although supplements should never replace foods in a varied diet, there are a couple of supplemental vitamins that may be beneficial to the older population. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans lists special recommendations for older adults concerning these supplements. Adults over the age of 50 should consume vitamin B12 in its crystalline form (fortified foods or supplements) because 10 to 30% of older adults are unable to absorb the vitamin B12 found in food. In addition, older adults should consume extra vitamin D from fortified foods or supplements because aging significantly reduces the ability of the skin to produce vitamin D.

Although some supplements can help older adults get the appropriate amount of nutrients, there may be situations where supplements can be harmful. Many older adults take prescription medications and, in many cases, multiple medications. Taking multiple supplements with medications or replacing medications with supplements can lead to dangerous, life-threatening situations. In addition, supplements may cause unwanted side effects during surgery. For more information visit the NIH’s Office of Dietary Supplements Web site: dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov.

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is an independent, science-based not-for-profit organization that has established a third party testing program “to verify the integrity of dietary supplements submitted by manufacturers voluntarily participating in the program.” Because dietary supplements are not regulated by the government for safety and efficacy before marketing, having the USP-verified mark on the supplement label can help assure consumers that they are purchasing a quality product.

Since March 23, 1999, consumers began seeing more complete information on nutrition supplement labels to help them make more informed decisions. The new label includes:

  • Statement identifying the contents
  • Quantity of specific nutrients in vitamin and mineral products
  • List of all dietary ingredients, including botanicals and amino acids
  • Information on nutrients present in significant levels and the percent Daily value when a reference has been established for that nutrient
  • Herbal products identified by the common name listed in Herbs of Commerce
  • The part of the plant used in herbal products

The following resources will provide you with reliable information on dietary supplements:

Toll free numbers
(Information services in English and Spanish):

  • The National Library of Medicine, Consumer Product Safety Line: 1-800-638-2772
  • The American Dietetic Association: 1-800-366-1655 or 1-800-877-1600
  • American Institute for Cancer Research: 1-800-843-8114

Books

  • Foster, Steven and Tyler, V. eds. Tyler’s Honest Herbal. 4th ed. NY: Haworth Herbal Press, Inc,. 1999.
  • The Physician’s Desk Reference of Herbal Medicine. Medical Economics Co., 1998

Internet


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