Chronic Disease Linked to Supplement Use

Having a chronic medical condition such as cancer is the primary factor in a person’s decision to use dietary supplements, a U.S. study found.

The study of 9,000 people by researchers at the National Cancer Institute, found adults with cancer or other chronic conditions were more likely to use supplements than people reporting no illness.

The study, published in the March Journal of the American Dietetic Association, said cancer was most closely associated with use of vitamins, while people living with other chronic conditions tended to use a wide variety of supplements.

These results indicate that having a chronic medical condition is the major factor associated with supplement use, the study authors said in a statement.

Consumers and health professionals should be aware that there is limited information on the effects of dietary supplements taken concurrently with prescription and other over-the-counter medications.