F&N 1-7
03/08
Abstract
National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science
Conference Statement: Multivitamin/Mineral Supplements and Chronic Disease
Prevention
Prepared
by:
Nutrition
Education Specialist
301
HES/NSCI
Cooperative
Extension Service
(405) 744-4601
Sources:
NIH
State-of-the Science Panel J Am Clin Nutr. 2007;85(suppl): 257S-264S.
IMPLICATIONS FOR COOPERATIVE EXTENSION. Use of multivitamin/multimineral supplements has
rapidly grown over the past several decades. Dietary supplements are now used by more than half of the adult
population. In general, dietary supplements are used by individuals
who practice healthier lifestyles, thus making evaluation of the
relationship between supplement use and health outcomes difficult to
interpret.
Despite
extensive dietary supplement use, there is still insufficient knowledge
about the actual amount of total nutrients Americans consume from
diet and supplements. This is in
part due to fortification of foods with nutrients, which adds to the
effects of dietary supplements. Historically, food fortification led to the
decline of nutrient deficiencies, but cumulative effects of
supplementation and fortification have also raised safety concerns related
to exceeding upper levels. Thus, there is a need obtain accurate
and current information on the public's total intake of nutrients in
foods and dietary supplements.
There
are few rigorous studies to determine clear recommendations regarding the safety
and effectiveness of dietary supplements in relationship to chronic disease
prevention. Most of studies do not provide strong evidence for
health benefits effects of supplements.
However, within some studies or population subgroups, there is
encouraging evidence of health benefits. However, several other
studies also provide disturbing evidence of risk.
The
current level of public assurance of dietary supplement safety and quality
is inadequate, given the fact that manufacturers are not required to report
adverse events and FDA has no regulatory authority to require
labeling changes or to help inform the public of these issues and
concerns. It is important that FDA purview of these products be
authorized and implemented.
In
conclusion, at the present time, evidence is insufficient either for
or against the use of dietary supplements to prevent chronic
disease. Resolution of this issue will require advances in research
and improved communication and collaboration between scientists,
health care providers, pharmaceutical industries, supplement industries, and
the public.