TABLE 2.
Key uses of NHANES data on dietary supplements: Examples of how NHANES dietary supplements data can be used to answer important research questions1
| Usage patterns by the population and large-population groups | Usage of DSs from a 30-d questionnaire and two 24-h dietary recalls Usual nutrient intakes from DSs Total nutrient intake from foods, beverages, and DSs on a given day Usual total nutrient intake from foods, beverages, and DSs |
| Examine motivations for DS use and trends in usage patterns over time | Estimate the top motivations for using DSs and types of DSs Determine if there are differences in why people are using DSs by sociodemographic factors |
| Examine association of health/well-being with DS use, and nutrient intake from DSs alone/total nutrient intake from diet and DSs | Assess associations between DS use and biomarkers of exposure to selected nutrients Assess the association between DS use and health outcomes Determine the association between baseline DS use and mortality or morbidity using passive follow-up (i.e., data from the National Death Index, Medicare Claims and Enrollment) |
| Inform policy | DRI development/updates Evaluating nutrient adequacy of US diet (DGAC) Intakes in relation to setting or tracking fortification policies |
1DGAC, Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee; DS, dietary supplement.