Use of vitamin and mineral supplements among Canadian adults.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence and determinants of use of vitamin and mineral supplements among adult Canadians.


METHODS
Data from adult respondents of the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle (CCHS) 2.2 were used. Participants were asked about their use of vitamin and mineral supplements in the month prior to being surveyed. The prevalence of vitamin and mineral supplement use was compared across various socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess determinants of supplement use.


RESULTS
In the month prior to the interview, 40.1% of adult Canadians took supplements. In the fully adjusted model, females of all ages were more likely to be users than males 19-30 years. Physical activity, fruit/vegetable consumption, and higher levels of household education and income were positively related to supplement use.


CONCLUSIONS
A substantial proportion of adult Canadians take vitamin and mineral supplements. The use was more prevalent among those with healthier lifestyles and of socio-economically advantaged backgrounds. Further investigation is needed to reveal the impact of supplements on nutrient adequacy and health.
Guo
Xiaoyan
X
School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
Willows
Noreen
N
Kuhle
Stefan
S
Jhangri
Gian
G
Veugelers
Paul J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009043:Motor Activity; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D014675:Vegetables; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins