Use of herbal medicine and other dietary supplements in community-dwelling older people: Baseline data from the ginkgo evaluation of memory study.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze baseline data from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study, in which information was collected on the use of all dietary supplements.


METHODS
Cross-sectional regression analysis.


METHODS
GEM study sites in California, Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.


METHODS
The GEM study enrolled 3,072 ambulatory individuals aged 75 and older between September 2000 and June 2002.


METHODS
Self-reported use of dietary supplements and use identified through bottles brought to the clinic.


RESULTS
Respectively, 59.4%, 66.6%, and 27.4% of the GEM study cohort used a multivitamin, at least one individual vitamin or mineral supplement, and some type of nonvitamin/nonmineral dietary supplement (NVNMDS). In logistic regression models, multivitamin use was associated with female sex, a higher income, a higher modified Mini-Mental State Examination score, difficulty with mobility, and asthma history; use of any other vitamin or mineral was associated with female sex, white race, nonsmoking, more years of schooling, difficulty walking, a history of osteoporosis, and reading health and senior magazines; and NVNMDS use was associated with residing in California, having difficulties with muscle strength, and reading health and senior magazines.


CONCLUSIONS
There were substantial differences between individuals who used vitamins and minerals and those who used NVNMDS. These data require that trial investigators pay close attention to participant use of off-protocol dietary supplements. In addition, these findings may help identify elderly individuals likely to combine NVNMDS and prescription drugs.
Nahin
Richard L
RL
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. nahinr@mail.nih.gov
Fitzpatrick
Annette L
AL
Williamson
Jeff D
JD
Burke
Gregory L
GL
Dekosky
Steven T
ST
Furberg
Curt
C
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D020441:Ginkgo biloba; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D028321:Plant Preparations; D014815:Vitamins