Vitamin and mineral supplements and fatigue: a prospective study

The consumption of vitamin/mineral supplements (VMS) and vitamin/mineral and/or dietary supplements (VMDS) is popular among the general population. However, the association of VMS/VMDS with fatigue remains sparse and conclusions are mixed. We aimed to understand the association between VMS/VMDS and fatigue.

Prospective study in the city of Lausanne, Switzerland, including 1361 participants (50.3% female, mean age 61.0 ± 9.4 years). Participants were divided into VMS/VMDS users and non-users. Fatigue levels were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the 14-item version of the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS). Statistical analyses included multivariable logistic regression for categorical outcomes and analysis of variance for continuous outcomes, adjusting for relevant covariates.

No association was found between VMS consumption and changes in FSS (mean ± standard error 0.05 ± 0.03 vs. -0.06 ± 0.14 for non-consumers and consumers, respectively, p = 0.440) and CFS (-0.05 ± 0.06 vs. 0.22 ± 0.28, p = 0.388). Similarly, no effect of VMS consumption was found on incidence odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 1.75 (0.82-3.74), p = 0.149 or remission 1.36 (0.49-3.74), p = 0.550 of clinical fatigue. Similar findings were obtained for VMDS: FSS 0.06 ± 0.04 vs. 0 ± 0.08, p = 0.577; CFS - 0.07 ± 0.08 vs. 0.04 ± 0.15, p = 0.545 for non-consumers and consumers, respectively. OR 1.96 (1.20-3.20), p = 0.008 and 1.14 (0.57-2.31), p = 0.712 for incidence and remission of fatigue. Alternate or persistent VMS/ VMDS consumers had a higher incidence of clinical fatigue and a higher increase in FSS compared with never consumers.

In this population-based sample, we found no consistent association between VMS or VMDS consumption and remission of fatigue. Conversely, VMDS users tended to develop greater fatigue.