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Vitamin/trace mineral supplements for the elderly
1Department of Biochemistry and Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. biocdbm@emory.edu
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)
|November 17, 2012
Summary
Elderly populations are increasing supplement use, but evidence for widespread benefit is lacking. More research is needed to determine if higher micronutrient intake improves health outcomes in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Growing elderly population globally.
- Multibillion-dollar vitamin and trace mineral supplement industry.
- Current recommendations for elderly micronutrient intake are often based on data from younger adults or unproven biochemical indices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To question the rationale for widespread vitamin and trace mineral supplement intake in the elderly.
- To evaluate the evidence supporting increased micronutrient recommendations for older adults.
- To assess the health outcomes and costs associated with supplement use in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Review of current recommendations for micronutrient intake in the elderly.
- Analysis of the scientific basis for these recommendations.
- Evaluation of the impact of increased micronutrient intake on health outcomes in older adults.
Main Results:
- Evidence is limited that boosting micronutrient intake above levels achievable with well-balanced diets improves health in most elderly individuals.
- Some recommendations for the elderly are extrapolations from younger adults or based on unproven biochemical markers.
- Potential for harmful excess and significant financial cost associated with widespread supplement use.
Conclusions:
- Caution is advised regarding public health recommendations for routine supplement use in individuals over 65.
- More research is needed to establish clear links between micronutrient needs and health outcomes in the elderly.
- Supplementation should be considered on an individual basis for those with documented deficiencies.
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