Elevated brain lesion volumes in older adults who use calcium supplements: a cross-sectional clinical observational study

Recent studies have implicated Ca supplements in vascular risk elevation, and therefore these supplements may also be associated with the occurrence of brain lesions (or hyperintensities) in older adults. These lesions represent damage to brain tissue that is caused by ischaemia. In the present cross-sectional clinical observational study, the association between Ca-containing dietary supplement use and lesion volumes was investigated in a sample of 227 older adults (60 years and above). Food and supplemental Ca intakes were assessed with the Block 1998 FFQ; participants with supplemental Ca intake above zero were categorised as supplement users. Lesion volumes were determined from cranial MRI (1·5 tesla) scans using a semi-automated technique; volumes were log-transformed because they were non-normal. ANCOVA models revealed that supplement users had greater lesion volumes than non-users, even after controlling for food Ca intake, age, sex, race, years of education, energy intake, depression and hypertension (Ca supplement use: β = 0·34, se 0·10, F1,217= 10·98, P= 0·0011). The influence of supplemental Ca use on lesion volume was of a magnitude similar to that of the influence of hypertension, a well-established risk factor for lesions. Among the supplement users, the amount of supplemental Ca was not associated with lesion volume (β = − 0·000035, se 0·00 015, F1,139= 0·06, P= 0·81). The present study demonstrates that the use of Ca-containing dietary supplements, even low-dose supplements, by older adults may be associated with greater lesion volumes. Evaluation of randomised controlled trials is warranted to determine whether this relationship is a causal one.

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Vitamin D and Hospital Admission in Older Adults: A Prospective Association

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13020616 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 616

Author(s):

Avril Beirne ◽

Kevin McCarroll ◽

James Bernard Walsh ◽

Miriam Casey ◽

Eamon Laird ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Hospital Admission ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prospective Association ◽

Randomised Controlled

The health effects of vitamin D are well documented, with increasing evidence of its roles beyond bone. There is, however, little evidence of the effects of vitamin D on hospitalisation among older adults. This study aimed to prospectively determine the relationship of vitamin D status in older adults with hospital admission and emergency department (ED) attendance. Trinity University of Ulster Department of Agriculture (TUDA) is a large cross-sectional study of older adults with a community population from three disease-defined cohorts (cognitive dysfunction, hypertension, and osteoporosis). Participants included in this analysis were recruited between 2008 and 2012. ED and hospital admission data were gathered from the date of TUDA participation until June 2013, with a mean follow up of 3.6 years. Of the 3093 participants, 1577 (50.9%) attended the ED during the period of follow-up. Attendees had lower mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations than non-attendees (59.1 vs. 70.6 nmol/L). Fully adjusted models showed an inverse association between vitamin D and ED attendance (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.996; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.995–0.998; p < 0.001). A total of 1269 participants (41%) were admitted to hospital during the follow-up. Those admitted had lower mean vitamin D concentrations (58.4 vs. 69.3 nmol/L, p < 0.001). In fully adjusted models, higher vitamin D was inversely associated with hospital admission (HR 0.996; 95% CI 0.994–0.998; p < 0.001) and length of stay (LOS) (β = −0.95, p = 0.006). This study showed independent prospective associations between vitamin D deficiency and increased hospitalisation by older adults. The need for further evaluation of current recommendations in relation to vitamin D supplementation, with consideration beyond bone health, is warranted and should focus on randomised controlled trials.

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Knowledge and Patterns of Dietary Supplement Use among Students Attending King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

INQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing ◽

10.1177/00469580211020882 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 58 ◽

pp. 004695802110208

Author(s):

Abdulraof Alqrache ◽

Mostafa Mostafa ◽

Omar Ghabrah ◽

Ziyad Ghabrah ◽

Nezar Kamal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dietary Supplements ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Herbal Products ◽

Supplement Use ◽

King Abdulaziz University ◽

Dietary Supplement Use ◽

Harmful Effects ◽

Selection Of

Oral dietary supplements (DSs) include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, energy drinks, and herbal products. The use of DSs is increasing and their manufacturers promote their benefits. Studies have validated some of these benefits, but have also indicated that some DSs can have adverse effects, especially if used without the appropriate supervision. Little information on DS use among Saudis is available. This study assessed the use of dietary supplements among male and female university students with the goal of educating the community about DSs and the dangers associated with their misuse. Online and paper validated questionnaires were administered to King Abdulaziz University (KAU) students between September 2019 and January 2020. The responses were collected and analyzed statistically. Of the 954 KAU students who completed the survey, one-third used DSs (42.9% women vs 25.7% men). Of these, 51.7% believed that DSs are essential for health, 41.7% classified them as both food and drugs, 67.2% were aware that DSs could not replace a healthy diet, and 25.8% were aware of their potentially harmful effects. Multivitamins and minerals were the most used DSs. DS awareness among KAU students is limited. Additional health education is necessary to assist students in their selection of the most suitable DSs.

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The use of proton pump inhibitors among older adults with intellectual disability: A cross sectional observational study

Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal ◽

10.1016/j.jsps.2018.05.009 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (7) ◽

pp. 1012-1021

Author(s):

Hadiah AlMutairi ◽

Máire O'Dwyer ◽

Mary McCarron ◽

Philip McCallion ◽

Martin C. Henman

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Intellectual Disability ◽

Observational Study ◽

Proton Pump Inhibitors ◽

Proton Pump ◽

Cross Sectional

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Current dietary supplement use of Australian military veterans of Middle East operations

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980017001975 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 20 (17) ◽

pp. 3156-3165 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jolieke C van der Pols ◽

Jeeva Kanesarajah ◽

Alison Bell ◽

Chi-Wai Lui

Keyword(s):

Weight Loss ◽

Health Status ◽

Middle East ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Australian Defence Force ◽

Dietary Supplement Use ◽

Energy Supplements

AbstractObjectiveTo assess patterns and levels of dietary supplement use among Australian Defence Forces, previously deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations.DesignA cross-sectional study. Participants of a large survey self-completed questions about dietary supplement use, health status, personal and job-related characteristics, and lifestyle factors. Frequency of current use of supplements was assessed in three categories (bodybuilding, energy and weight loss).SettingMiddle East Area of Operations post-deployment health survey.SubjectsCurrent and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel (n 14 032) who deployed to the Middle East between 2001 and 2009.ResultsBodybuilding supplements were used by 17·5 % of participants, energy supplements by 24·5 % and weight-loss supplements by 7·6 %. Overall, 32·3 % of participants used any of these supplements. Bodybuilding and energy supplements were more often used by men, younger persons and those in the Army, while weight-loss supplements were more commonly used by women and Navy personnel. Supplements in all three categories were more commonly used by persons in lower ranks, active service and combat roles. Users of bodybuilding supplements had healthier lifestyles and better health status, while users of energy and weight-loss supplements had less healthy lifestyles and poorer mental and physical health status. Overall, 11·7 % of participants used supplements containing caffeine and 3·6 % used a creatine-containing product.ConclusionsUse of dietary supplements among Australian Defence Force personnel is common, and patterned by lifestyle factors and health status.

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Analysis of oral dietary supplement use in rural older adults

Journal of Clinical Nursing ◽

10.1111/jocn.14763 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (9-10) ◽

pp. 1600-1606 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marcia Y. Shade ◽

Matthew Witry ◽

Katie Robinson ◽

Kevin Kupzyk

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Dietary Supplement Use ◽

Rural Older Adults

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Dietary Supplement Use Among Chinese Primary School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hunan Province

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16030374 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 374 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hanmei Liu ◽

Shiya Zhang ◽

Hanshuang Zou ◽

Yuanlin Pan ◽

Qiping Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary School ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hunan Province ◽

Primary School Students ◽

School Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Dietary Supplement Use

Dietary supplement use is increasing globally, especially among children. However, few studies have been conducted to examine dietary supplement use among Chinese children. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of dietary supplement use and the associated factors in primary school students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four primary schools in Hunan province, China. A total of 706 Chinese parents/caregivers of school children aged 6–12 years old were enrolled. Self-administrated questionnaires were used to collect information about the children’s dietary supplement use, and their socio-demographic characteristics. The prevalence of dietary supplement use in primary school students was 20.4%. Calcium (16.7%), vitamin C (9.2%), and vitamin D (8.5%) were the most commonly used types of dietary supplement. The main reasons for parents/caregivers to purchase dietary supplements for their children were immunity improvement (43.6%), and for growth promotion (36.5%). Some caregivers (26.4%) purchased dietary supplements online, including from dubious or unknown sellers. However, 37.5% of caregivers did not receive formal guidance on supplementation even if they purchased their supplements through formal channels. Parents/caregivers were unclear about the appropriate choices for children’s dietary supplement use. Guidelines and counseling regarding dietary supplements for children may be helpful in public health work.

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Dietary supplement use among dietetics students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Health SA Gesondheid ◽

10.4102/hsag.v24i0.1298 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 ◽

Author(s):

Lynelda Pillay ◽

Kirthee Pillay

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Energy Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adequate Diet ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Kwazulu Natal ◽

Dietary Supplement Use ◽

Low Prevalence

Background: A dietary supplement is a product that aims to add nutritional value to the diet. University students are known to make use of dietary supplements to improve their academic performance, increase energy levels and promote overall general health. Based on assumption, students studying towards a nutrition-related degree may eat healthily and choose not to use dietary supplements. Alternatively, because of their interest in and exposure to nutrition, they may decide to use dietary supplements. However, there is a lack of published studies investigating the prevalence of dietary supplement use and reasons for use among South African university students studying towards a nutrition-related degree.Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the use of dietary supplements by dietetics students.Setting: University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire.Results: Of the 139 participants, 23% (n = 32) used dietary supplements. There was a greater use by female students, those who lived at home and those registered for the Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics. Reasons for using dietary supplements included the following: to strengthen the immune system (62.5%), to improve energy levels (56.3%) and to enhance physical health (50%). Cost (32.7%; n = 35), an adequate diet (22.4%; n = 24) and not necessary or waste of money (15%; n = 16) were reasons for not using dietary supplements. Most students (84.4%) made use of a multivitamin and mineral supplement.Conclusion: There was a low prevalence of dietary supplement use by UKZN dietetics students, with the high cost of supplements given as the main reason for non-use.

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