Dietary Supplement Use Among Young Adults in the United States: An Analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background: Little is known about the prevalence of vitamin, mineral, and other dietary supplement use in college age and young adults. We conducted this study to describe the prevalence of vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplement use and factors associated with their use.

Methods: We estimated prevalence from the 1999 - 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for young adults age 18 to 30. Using weighted logistic regression, we identified factors associated with the use of any dietary supplement (DS) (multivitamins, single vitamins or minerals, herbs and other DS.)

Results: In the month prior to the survey, 37% of young adults reported use of one or more DS. The most commonly used DS were: multivitamins (23%), vitamin C (7%), herbal products (4%), weight loss supplements (3%) and calcium (3%). Overall, use was highest among former smokers (49%), respondents with more than a high school education (49%), prescription medication users (45%), and non-Hispanic whites (44%) . In the multivariable analysis, non-Hispanic black [adjusted odds ratio .52 (.41-.66) 95% CI] Mexican Americans [.49 (.38-.63)], and “other” racial/ethnic group young adults [.55 (.41-.74)] were less likely to use any DS compared with non-Hispanic whites. Males [.57 (.50-.67)] and those with poor/fair self reported health status [.65 (.43-.97)] were less likely to any DS. However, adults ages 23 – 30 were more likely to use DS [1.82 (1.43-2.31)] compared to those ages 18 to 22 years old.

Conclusions: Use of DS and multivitamins is common among American young adults.