title: The vitamin-mineral supplement history.
abstract: The prolonged use of vitamin or mineral supplements in amounts greater than their recommended dietary allowance (RDA) can lead to medical complications or interfere with the treatment of some diseases. A vitamin-mineral supplement history is necessary to determine whether patients may be contributing to a medical problem and for physicians to counsel patients about the appropriate use of vitamins and minerals. This article provides a three-phased guide for obtaining a comprehensive history of vitamin-mineral supplement use. Phase 1 determines current and past behaviors with respect to kind, dosage, frequency, duration, and constancy of supplement intake. Phase 2 considers patient beliefs about taking supplements and outcomes of supplement usage. Phase 3 outlines considerations important for patient guidance. A vitamin-mineral supplement history should be a routine component of every complete medical history.
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D001519:Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008903:Minerals; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012651:Self Medication; D014815:Vitamins
chemical_list: D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins