Demographic Characteristics of Supplement Users in an Elderly Population

This study investigated the association of demographic characteristics with supplement use in 257 elderly participants of the Georgia Centenarian Study in their 60s (n = 89), 80s (n = 92), and 100s (n = 76). Of these elders, 44% used a specific vitamin or mineral supplement. Multivitamins/minerals (28%), vitamin C (13%), and vitamin E (7%) were the most common vitamins reported; whereas calcium (8%) and potassium (5%) were the most common minerals reported. Centenarians were as likely as those in their 60s and 80s to use a supplement. Females were more likely than males to report consuming any supplement and multivitamins/minerals; Whites were more likely than Blacks to report consuming any supplement, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Health care providers must be aware that even the oldest old are frequent users of supplements, but being male and of minority status may be a barrier to the use of nutritional supplements.