Do vitamin and mineral supplements improve the dietary intake of elderly Canadians

: The prevalence of nutritional supplementation and the relationship of the adequacy of the diet to the use of nutritional supplements was investigated in a group of 82 healthy, free-living elderly Canadians. Dietary data included a seven-day food record and the reported daily intake of vitamin or mineral supplements. 43% of the men and 62% of the women reported using vitamin and/or mineral supplements during the preceding year. Current use (at the time of interview) was reported in 35% of the study subjects. Supplement users did not differ from non-users in terms of dietary intake from diet alone for any of the nutrients compared. Few subjects corrected inadequate intakes by the use of nutrient supplements; in fact, most supplements were consumed by those not at risk of deficiency for the particular vitamin or mineral. Reliance upon vitamin and/or mineral supplementation for adequate nutrient intake without a dietary evaluation is not recommended.