FOOD FOR THOUGHT 2020 Health effects of vitamin and mineral supplements

Vitamin and mineral supplements are the most commonly used dietary supplements by populations worldwide.1 -4 The amount of micronutrients they provide ranges from less than recommended intakes to much more, making them important contributors to total intakes. While supplements can be used to correct micronutrient deficiency or maintain an adequate intake, over-the-counter supplements are most often taken by people with no clinical signs or symptoms of deficiency. However, the effect of vitamin and mineral supplements on the risk of non-communicable diseases in “generally healthy” populations is controversial. We examine patterns of supplement use and the evidence on their effects from randomised trials. Who uses supplements?