Do users of dietary supplements differ from nonusers in their food consumption?

The objective of the study was to analyse macronutrient and food intakes of regular users (310 men, 495 women) and nonusers (1136 men, 1269 women) of vitamin and mineral supplements, aged 18-79 years. These, were participants of the German Nutrition Survey, which was part of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998. Information on dietary behaviour including supplementation habits was assessed using a validated computerised dietary history method (DISHES 98). There were no major differences in macronutrient intakes between regular users and nonusers. After adjustment for age, energy intake, smoking, sport activity, socio-economic status and East/West German residence, regular supplement use was associated with a higher consumption of drinking water. Among men, a higher consumption of vegetable fat, poultry and fruit/vegetable juice, and among women, a higher consumption of fish, milk products, fruits and tea was also associated with regular supplement use. An inverse association was observed between regular supplement use and the consumption of coffee among women. Significant differences in food consumption between regular users and nonusers were observed, indicating a tendency for a healthier food choice among regular users.