Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2132

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Publication type: Journal Article

Ford ES, Ajani UA, Mokdad AH.
Brief communication: The prevalence of high intake of vitamin E from the use of supplements among U.S. adults.
Ann Intern Med. 2005 Jul 19; 143:(2):116-20
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/143/2/116

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: People who consume at least 400 IU of vitamin E per day from supplements may be at slightly increased risk for premature mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the percentage of U.S. adults age 20 years or older who consume at least 400 IU of vitamin E per day through the use of vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis.

SETTING: The 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

PATIENTS: Representative sample of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population.

MEASUREMENTS: Participants answered questions about the use of vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

RESULTS: Among 4609 adults, 11.3% (95% CI, 9.7% to 13.1%) consumed at least 400 IU of vitamin E per day from supplements. Such intake increased with age, was about equal for men and women, and was more common among white persons (14.1%; CI, 11.9% to 16.7%) than African-American (3.7% [CI, 2.6% to 5.2%]) or Mexican-American persons (3.9% [CI, 2.8% to 5.4%]). The median dietary intake of vitamin E was 8.8 IU per day.

LIMITATIONS: Information about vitamin E intake was self-reported.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of vitamin E supplements in dosages of at least 400 IU per day is common among U.S. adults.

Keywords:
MeSH Terms: Adult Cross-Sectional Studies Dietary Supplements/utilization* Female Humans Male Nutrition Surveys United States Vitamin E/administration & dosage* alpha-Tocopherol/blood gamma-Tocopherol/blood