News
Low vitamin D levels linked to poor performance in athletes
1 November 2012
According to a new UK study, insufficient blood vitamin D concentrations may be detrimental to musculoskeletal performance in athletes.
15 May 2012
“National nutrition surveys show that many Americans fall short in the consumption of several vitamins, minerals and trace elements, including vitamins A and D, vitamins C and E, and vitamin B6, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron (1,2). The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) urges improvement in overall dietary habits as the primary tool for improving nutrient intake, but the organization’s position paper on nutrient supplementation also recognizes that dietary supplements may have a role to play in helping people achieve nutritional goals (3). The Dietary Reference Intakes established by the Institute of Medicine suggest supplemental intakes of some nutrients for some population groups, such as folic acid for women of childbearing age and vitamin B12 for people over the age of 50, and the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans also incorporate these recommendations (4,5). The National Osteoporosis Foundation recognizes that some people may need supplemental intakes of calcium and vitamin D to reach levels considered to be necessary to build and maintain optimum bone mass during growth and early adulthood and to reduce bone loss during aging (6). Long chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are consumed at very low levels by most Americans, and increased intake could improve cardiovascular health and also provide other benefits (7).
Dietary supplement use is common among US adults, with more than half of the population using such products (8). Surveys show that usage is higher among older adults than among young adults, higher among women than among men, and increases with one’s level of education. Most dietary supplement users say their primary moti-vation for taking supplements is to improve their overall health and wellness, or to fill perceived nutrient gaps in their dietary intake (9). Less attention has been paid to usage among health professionals and to whether they recommend dietary supplements to their patients or clients. In earlier studies, regular dietary supplement use was reported for over 70% of dietitians and nurse practitioners; around 60% of pharmacists and dermatologists; about 50% of family care physicians, gynecologists and orthopedists; and 37% of cardiologists (10,11).
A new survey was conducted to examine the extent to which dietitians use dietary supplements or recommend these products to their clients. The study included 300 dietitians (96% female, 84% in the age range 30 to 59, geographically dispersed across the US) who were asked in an online survey, if they use and/or recommend dietary supplements. The results showed that
When asked if they ever recommend dietary supplements to clients, 97% of the dietitians surveyed said they did. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of recommending dietary supplements according to age, region or years in practice. The top reasons for recommending dietary supplements to their clients were bone health (70%), filling nutrition gaps (67%), overall health and wellness benefits (49%), lowering cholesterol (46%), heart health (46%), dietary pattern/vegetarian/vegan (43%), digestive or gastrointestinal health (39%), diabetes or glucose control (27%), and eating disorders (19%).
While authoritative groups consistently encourage a ‘food first’ approach to achieving nutrient adequacy, it is also recognized that most people have dietary intakes that fall short in some respects and that dietary supplements can make a contribution toward achieving nutritional goals. Dietitians are uniquely qualified to evaluate the adequacy of nutrient intake and to make rational choices about dietary supplement use for themselves and for their clients or patients, when appropriate.”
Based on: Dickinson A. et al. Dietitians use and recommend dietary supplements: report of a survey. Nutrition Journal. 2012; 11:14.
1 November 2012
According to a new UK study, insufficient blood vitamin D concentrations may be detrimental to musculoskeletal performance in athletes.
21 December 2017
A new systematic literature review looked at vitamin D levels in Southern Europe and Eastern Mediterranean populations with data extracted from 107 studies. The results show vitamin D deficiency despite abundant sunshine in the regions. Read more
16 August 2013