Bottle to body: how multivitamin/mineral supplements shape Canadian nutrient intake.

The prevalence of MVM supplement use among Canadians over 1 year of age was 24.78%, while any individual vitamin and mineral supplement use was 19.16%.

• Data were drawn from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2015.
• Respondents included individuals greater than 1 year of age.
• MVM supplements were the most common supplement category examined.
• Individual vitamin and mineral supplement use prevalence was 19.16%.

MVM supplement use was most common among children aged 1-8 years and women over 51 years.

• Usage patterns differed by age and sex subgroups.
• Children aged 1-8 years represented one of the highest-use demographic groups.
• Women over 51 years represented the other peak usage demographic.
• Usage was particularly common among nonobese children and higher-income households.

MVM supplement use was associated with markers of higher socio-economic status, including higher-income households.

• Higher-income households showed greater prevalence of MVM supplement use.
• Nonobese children were more likely to use MVM supplements.
• The authors note this means MVM users are those 'already consuming a healthy diet and less likely to need MVM supplemental nutrients.'
• This socio-economic pattern has implications for primary care practice in Canada.

Supplement users showed a lower prevalence of nutrient inadequacy from dietary sources alone compared to nonusers.

• This comparison was made between supplement users and nonusers of supplements.
• Lower nutrient inadequacy was observed both from dietary sources alone and with supplement inclusion.
• The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate usual intakes of vitamin A, C, and magnesium.
• Prevalence of nutrient adequacy and intakes greater than the upper limit (UL) were also estimated.

The authors concluded that dietary guidelines should continue to emphasize meeting nutrient requirements from a wide variety of foods, with exceptions for specific population subgroups.

• Specific supplement recommendations remain appropriate for subgroups such as folic acid in women of childbearing age.
• While MVM supplement use does contribute to overall dietary intake, the benefit accrues disproportionately to those less likely to need it.
• The findings present implications for primary care practice, where practitioners frequently serve as patients' initial source of health guidance.
• The study used the Canadian Community Health Survey 2015 dietary data.