Vitamin and mineral supplements and fatigue: a prospective study.

Abstract

Purpose: The consumption of vitamin/mineral supplements (VMS) and vitamin/mineral and/or dietary supplements (VMDS) is popular among the general population. However, the association of VMS/VMDS with fatigue remains sparse and conclusions are mixed. We aimed to understand the association between VMS/VMDS and fatigue.

Methods: Prospective study in the city of Lausanne, Switzerland, including 1361 participants (50.3% female, mean age 61.0 ± 9.4 years). Participants were divided into VMS/VMDS users and non-users. Fatigue levels were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the 14-item version of the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS). Statistical analyses included multivariable logistic regression for categorical outcomes and analysis of variance for continuous outcomes, adjusting for relevant covariates.

Results: No association was found between VMS consumption and changes in FSS (mean ± standard error 0.05 ± 0.03 vs. -0.06 ± 0.14 for non-consumers and consumers, respectively, p = 0.440) and CFS (-0.05 ± 0.06 vs. 0.22 ± 0.28, p = 0.388). Similarly, no effect of VMS consumption was found on incidence odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 1.75 (0.82-3.74), p = 0.149 or remission 1.36 (0.49-3.74), p = 0.550 of clinical fatigue. Similar findings were obtained for VMDS: FSS 0.06 ± 0.04 vs. 0 ± 0.08, p = 0.577; CFS - 0.07 ± 0.08 vs. 0.04 ± 0.15, p = 0.545 for non-consumers and consumers, respectively. OR 1.96 (1.20-3.20), p = 0.008 and 1.14 (0.57-2.31), p = 0.712 for incidence and remission of fatigue. Alternate or persistent VMS/ VMDS consumers had a higher incidence of clinical fatigue and a higher increase in FSS compared with never consumers.

Conclusion: In this population-based sample, we found no consistent association between VMS or VMDS consumption and remission of fatigue. Conversely, VMDS users tended to develop greater fatigue.