Trends in vitamin, mineral and dietary supplement use in Switzerland. The CoLaus study

No Association between Vitamin D and Weight Gain: A Prospective, Population-Based Study

Background: The association between vitamin D and weight gain remains controversial due to important limitations in the studies. We investigated the relationship between vitamin D levels and 5 and 10 years of weight and waist circumference change in a population-based prospective cohort study. Methods: Prospective study including participants aged between 35 and 75 years living in the city of Lausanne, Switzerland. Weight and waist change at 5- and 10-year follow-up were assessed according to baseline vitamin D status (normal, insufficiency and deficiency). Results: A total of 3638 participants (47.9 % women, mean age 51.6 ± 10.4 years) were included for the 5-year follow-up. No association was found between vitamin D categories and weight change, multivariate-adjusted average ± standard error: 1.6 ± 0.3, 1.5 ± 0.2 and 1.2 ± 0.1 kg for normal, insufficiency and deficiency, respectively, p = 0.159. For waist change, the corresponding values were 3.3 ± 0.4, 3.3 ± 0.2 and 3.4 ± 0.2 cm, p = 0.792. For the 10-year follow-up, data from 2999 participants (45.8% women, mean age 50.8 ± 10.3 years) were used. No association was found for weight 2.3 ± 0.4, 2.3 ± 0.2 and 2.0 ± 0.2 kg, p = 0.588, or for waist 3.7 ± 0.4, 3.6 ± 0.3 and 4.2 ± 0.2 cm for normal, insufficiency and deficiency, respectively, p = 0.259. Conclusion: No association between vitamin D status and weight or waist gain at 5- and 10-year follow-up was found.

Prevalence of vitamin-mineral supplement use and associated factors among Canadians: results from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey

Vitamin/mineral supplements are used for improving micronutrient intake and preventing deficiencies, particularly for shortfall nutrients. We assessed the prevalence of vitamin/mineral supplement use and associated factors among a representative sample of Canadians aged ≥1 y. We used nationally representative data from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)-Nutrition. The prevalence of vitamin/mineral supplement use containing shortfall nutrients (Vitamins: A, C, D, B6, B12 and folate; Minerals: calcium, magnesium, and zinc) was examined in this study. Logistic regression models were performed to determine factors associated with vitamin/mineral supplement use among Canadian children (1-18 years) and adults (>19 years). The overall prevalence of vitamin/mineral supplement use was 38% among men and 53% among women. Males aged 14-18 years had the lowest prevalence (26.5%; 95% CI = 21.9-31.0) and females aged ≥71 years had the highest prevalence (67.8%; 95% CI = 64.1-71.5) of vitamin/mineral supplement use. Female gender, older age, higher education level, higher income, living in urban areas, having chronic conditions, having a normal body mass index (BMI), and being non-smoker were independent positive predictors of vitamin/mineral supplement use among adults. Independent positive predictors of vitamin/mineral supplement use among Canadian children included younger age, having a normal BMI, and being food secure. Novelty bullets • The overall prevalence of vitamin/mineral supplement use among Canadian men and women was 38% and 53%, respectively. • Sociodemographic and lifestyle variables were associated with vitamin/mineral supplement use, especially among Canadian adults.

Ten-Year Trend in Polypharmacy in the Lausanne Population

BACKGROUND

Aging and associated morbidities place individuals at higher risk of polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions (DDIs). How polypharmacy and DDIs change with aging is important for public health management.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to assess the 10-year trends in prevalence of polypharmacy and potential DDIs in a population-based sample.

METHODS

Baseline (2003-2006) and follow-up (2014-2016) data were obtained from a sample of 4512 participants (baseline age range = 35-75 y, 55.1% women) from the population of Lausanne, Switzerland. Polypharmacy and polyactive drug use were defined by the regular use of five or more medications and five or more pharmacologically active substances, respectively. Drug-drug interactions were defined according to the criteria of the Geneva University Hospital.

RESULTS

The percentage of participants taking at least one drug increased from 56.1% to 79.5% (P < 0.001). Among participants taking drugs, number of medications increased from 2.6 ± 1.9 (mean ± standard deviation) to 3.8 ± 2.9 after 10.9-year follow-up (P < 0.001); the corresponding values for active substances were 2.7 ± 2.0 and 4.0 ± 3.0 (P < 0.001). The prevalence of polypharmacy and polyactive substance use increased from 7.7% to 25.0% and from 8.8% to 27.1%, respectively (P < 0.001). The presence of at least one potential DDI increased from less than 1% to almost one sixth of all participants.

CONCLUSIONS

In a community-dwelling sample, the prevalence of polypharmacy and polyactive substance use tripled during a 10.9-year follow-up, with an even greater increase in the prevalence of potential DDIs. Increasing rates of polypharmacy and DDIS warns the importance of preventing potential DDIs throughout healthcare system through various interventions.

What Do Polish Parents and Caregivers Think ofDietary Supplements for Children Aged 3-12?

Background: The aim of this study was to specify the amounts and the types of dietary supplements (DS) taken by children and define the attitudes of caregivers towards DS and towards administering them to children aged 3–12. An analysis of the reasons for using DSs, and of expected benefits and awareness of health risks associated with administering DSs, was conducted. Methods: The online questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic characteristics and use of dietary supplements. Multiple analyses were used to describe the relationship between demographic factors and dietary supplement intake. In particular cases, strength and correlation were also calculated. Results: In total, 54.89% of participants were administering dietary supplements to children at the time of completing the questionnaire—a weak linear relationship (Cramer’s V = 0.21) between child’s age and the child taking dietary supplements. Respondents for whom DSs are equivalents of medicines tend not to see that dietary supplements may cause side-effects and interact. Conclusions: Parents who administer dietary supplements to children show a tendency to have more trust in this type of product than the people who do not do so. It was also confirmed that the people who take dietary supplements transfer their behavioral patterns by also administering them to their children.

Dietary patterns according to vitamin supplement use. A cross-sectional study in Switzerland

Background: consumers of dietary supplements (DS) or vitamin-mineral supplements (VMS) have a better health profile than nonconsumers; whether this also applies to healthier dietary patterns has seldom been assessed. We aimed to assess the dietary intake of subjects according to their consumption of DS or VMS. Methods: Cross-sectional, population-based studies conducted in 2009-2012 (3773 participants, 52.4% women, 57.0 ± 10.0 years) and 2014-2017 (2536 participants, 52.4% women, 60.0 ± 10 years) in Lausanne, Switzerland. Dietary intake was assessed via a 97-item food frequency questionnaire. Nutrients, consumption of specific food groups, dietary scores, and compliance with the Swiss nutritional guidelines were compared between VMS/DS consumers and nonconsumers. Results: In 2009-2012, after multivariable adjustment for gender, age, body mass index, education, smoking, country of birth, sedentariness, diet and total energy intake, VMS/DS consumers had a higher score for the "Fruits & vegetables"(-0.09 ± 0.02 vs. 0.15 ± 0.05) dietary pattern and a lower score for the "Fatty & sugary" dietary pattern (0.02 ± 0.02 vs. -0.14 ± 0.04) and had a lower likelihood to comply with the guideline on total fat [odds ratio and 95 %CI: 0.72 (0.57-0.89)] than nonconsumers. In 2014-2017, after multivariable adjustment, no differences (at p < 0.005) were found between VMS/DS consumers and nonconsumers. Conclusion: VMS/DS consumers tend to have healthier dietary choices than nonconsumers. The beneficial effect of VMS and/or DS consumption is decreased, as it does not target subjects who really need them.

Sweetening Agents and Sweeteners in Dietary Supplements for Children-Analysis of the Polish Market

Sweetening agents (SA) and sweeteners are major additives used in the production of dietary supplements (DS), they fulfill both technological and organoleptic functions. The aim of this study is to identify the types of SA and sweeteners found in DS intended for children and to determine the secondary role of them. The study was performed on data from the documentation of representative samples of DS (N = 315) available on the Polish market. The results show that 75.24% of the products contained at least one SA or sweetener. Sucrose is the SA most frequently used in DS production. The empirical findings show that the type of sweetening ingredient correlates closely with the formulation of products, which in turn has to be suited to consumption abilities of the target group as well as to the children's taste requirements. The crucial need for analysis of the composition of DS is emphasized in the light of high consumption rates of these products as well as limited regulations and policy.

Low copper-2 intake in Switzerland does not result in lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease and contradicts the Copper-2 Hypothesis

In recent years, the “Copper-2 Hypothesis” has been put forth in an attempt to explain the epidemic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the Western world. According to this hypothesis, “free” copper (copper-2) in drinking water, dietary supplements, and meat is the chief cause of the increased incidence of AD in recent decades. In contrast to the US, copper plumbing for drinking water is not used in Switzerland and tap water is very low in copper. Other “risk” factors including dietary supplements and meat consumption are also lower in Switzerland than in the US. Yet, the incidence of AD is closely similar in the two countries. This contradicts the Copper-2 Hypothesis.

Impact statement

The Western world is faced with an Alzheimer’s epidemic. Identifying the life style and anthropogenic factors involved has become a priority. This is a formidable challenge due to the complexity and the slow progression of the disease. A hypothesis put forth by George Brewer postulates divalent copper (copper-2), chiefly present in drinking water from copper pipes, to be a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. In Switzerland, copper pipes are not used for drinking water, but the frequency of Alzheimer’s disease is similar to that of other Western countries. This contradicts Brewer’s hypothesis and suggests that other factors are responsible for today’s Alzheimer’s epidemic.

Epidemiology of dietary supplement use in Serbia: Report from Novi Sad

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives were to assess the prevalence of dietary supplement (DS) use and to identify specific demographic and lifestyle characteristics of DS users from Novi Sad, Serbia as well as the most commonly used DS and reasons for their use.

DESIGN

Observational, cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND INTERVENTIONS

Data on demographics, lifestyle and dietary supplement use of 435 adults from Novi Sad, Serbia were collected using an online questionnaire.

RESULTS

In total, 435 subjects completed the questionnaire (62.3% women). Prevalence of dietary supplement use in the sample was 42.8%. More women used DS than men (p = 0.002). Higher use of DS was reported among individuals 65+, while the young used DS less (p = 0.001), but the highest proportions of DS users was from the 45-54 age group. DS were used more among those with lower education levels (p < 0.001) and no income (p = 0.009). The highest percentages of DS users reported daily intakes of fruits and moderate physical activity, were non-smokers and social drinkers. Main reason for DS use was maintaining general health. The most commonly used DS were minerals and/or vitamins (68.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

We report a high prevalence of dietary supplement use in Novi Sad. DS use was associated with being a female, being older and having minimal/average income, the latter being opposite of the usual findings. Our results warrant a more detailed examination of the association between income, DS use and healthcare availability in developing countries such as Serbia.

Use of vitamin and mineral supplements among adolescents living in Germany-Results from EsKiMo II

Dietary supplements may contribute to nutrient intake; however, actual data on dietary supplement use among adolescents living in Germany are rare. The aim of this analysis was to describe the current use of dietary supplements, its determinants, and reasons of use. Changes in supplement use over time were evaluated by comparing the results with those from EsKiMo I (2006). Data from the Eating Study as a KiGGS Module EsKiMo II (2015-2017) were used to analyze supplement intake according to sociodemographic, health characteristics, and physical exercise behavior of 12-17-year-olds (n = 1356). Supplement use during the past four weeks was assessed by a standardized computer assisted personal interview. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the association between supplement use and its determinants. Between 2015-2017, 16.4% (95%-CI: 13.0-19.7%) of the adolescents used dietary supplements, and its use decreased with lower levels of physical exercise and overweight. Most supplement users used only one supplement, often containing both vitamins and minerals. The most frequently supplemented nutrients were vitamin C and magnesium. The main reported reason to use supplements was 'to improve health'. Prevalence of supplement use was slightly lower in 2015-2017 than in 2006 (18.5%; 95%-CI: 15.8-21.2%). The results underline the importance of including nutrient intake through dietary supplements in nutrition surveys.

Trends and determinants of change in compliance to dietary guidelines in a Swiss community-dwelling sample

Adherence to dietary guidelines is associated with significantly better health outcomes. Studies across the world shows that compliance with the guidelines was low, but data in Switzerland are lacking. Hence, we aimed to assess the 5-year trends in dietary compliance regarding food guidelines in Switzerland in a prospective, population-based observational study. Data from 2882 participants (1591 women, 35-75 years), from the first (2009-2012) and second (2014-2017) follow-up. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Compliance with the guidelines of the Swiss society of nutrition was assessed at baseline and 5.5 years afterwards. Prevalence rates for compliance were calculated using the exact Poisson method. Factors associated with changes in compliance (never, shifter or maintainer) were assessed by multinomial logistic regression using "Never compliers" as reference. Overall, improvements in compliance to fruits (42.4% to 45.1%) vegetables (6.9% to 8.6%) and fish (66.6% to 60.5%) were found, while compliance to meat decreased (61.1% to 58.5%). The prevalence of participants complying with at least three dietary recommendations did not change (24.1% to 25.2%). During follow-up, only 11.6% of participants maintained compliance to at least three dietary recommendations, and 62.4% never managed to comply. Female gender and older age were associated with maintaining compliance during the two study periods. In conclusion, compliance with dietary guidelines is a dynamic status, and only a small fraction of the population achieves sustained compliance with at least three guidelines. Almost two thirds of the population never achieve compliance with three guidelines.

No association between vitamin C and E supplementation and grip strength over 5 years: the Colaus study

PURPOSE

To assess the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between self-reported vitamin C + E dietary supplementation and markers of grip strength and frailty in community-dwelling Swiss adults.

METHODS

Population-based study including 3277 participants (1722 women) aged 40-80 years at baseline. The associations between vitamin C + E dietary supplementation and grip strength were examined cross-sectionally and after a follow-up of 5.2 years on average.

RESULTS

There were 253 (7.7%) self-reported vitamin C + E supplement users. Female users had significantly lower grip strength than non-users (average ± standard deviation: 24.3 ± 6.1 versus 25.6 ± 6.1 kg, respectively). However, the association disappeared after multivariate adjustment (24.7 ± 0.5 versus 25.6 ± 0.1 kg, for users versus non-users, respectively). No differences were found in men regarding grip strength. No differences were found in the highest quintile of grip strength or prevalence of low grip strengthin in users versus non-users during cross-sectional analysis for both genders. After 5.2 years of follow-up, no associations were found between vitamin C + E supplementation and change in grip strength for raw values (difference between baseline and follow-up: 1.2 ± 5.0 versus 0.4 ± 5.2 kg for female and 0.6 ± 6.5 versus 1.1 ± 6.8 kg for male users and non-users, respectively) or after multivariable adjustment (1.2 ± 0.5 versus 0.4 ± 0.1 kg for female and 0.6 ± 0.8 versus 1.1 ± 0.2 kg for male users and non-users, respectively) when taking baseline vitamin C + E supplementation into account. No association was also found for incidence of low grip strength.

CONCLUSION

In a sample of community-dwelling Swiss adults, vitamin C + E supplementation neither improved grip strength nor prevented low-grip strength over a 5-year period.