Study on dietary supplements

How is dietary supplement intake related to nutrient intake and mortality? In this blog post, we look at the study on this exact topic.

What is it about?

Is there a connection between dietary supplementation, nutrient intake, and mortality among US adults? Previous studies found that more than half of US citizens take dietary supplements. The benefits and drawbacks remain controversial. The general research consensus reports neither benefits nor drawbacks. However, other studies have also found adverse outcomes associated with dietary supplement use, particularly at high doses. The following study examined this issue in detail and investigated the association between dietary supplement use and mortality in a sample of US adults. It also examined associations with various diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the study investigated how adequate or excessive nutrient intake is related to mortality and whether nutrient intake from natural foods differed from intake through synthetic dietary supplements. Participants were asked about their diet and dietary supplement intake at regular intervals. The most commonly used vitamin supplements were vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin D. The most commonly used minerals were calcium, zinc, and magnesium.

The results indicate that the use of dietary supplements was not associated with mortality. However, no benefits could be demonstrated either, as dietary supplement users generally had a higher standard of living and often ate and lived more healthily than non-users. Nor was any association found between dietary supplement intake and death from cancer or cardiovascular disease. However, the study indicated that excessive intake of some nutrients could have adverse effects. For example, an association was found between higher calcium intake and cancer mortality. The difference between calcium from supplements and food can be explained by their different effects on circulating calcium: high dietary intake can lead to reduced intestinal absorption and increased urinary excretion, whereas long-term supplementation does not reduce circulating calcium levels.
In summary, the use of dietary supplements was not associated with mortality in a nationally representative sample of US adults:

“Although adequate nutrient intake from food may contribute to a lower risk of death, excessive intake from dietary supplements may increase mortality. The potential health risks and benefits of using dietary supplements need to be further evaluated in future studies.”

(https://annals.org/aim/article-abstract/2730525/association-among-dietary-supplement-use-nutrient-intake-mortality-among-u)

Composition of meal replacement drinks?

But what does this study mean for our diet and our use of meal replacement drinks? Many meal replacement drinks that claim to provide a complete supply of nutrients consist of synthetic nutrients or contain artificially added nutrients. Providers such as Soylent or Mana are based on these synthetic nutrients. The European manufacturer Huel also uses a micronutrient blend to add vitamins and minerals to its product.

So why organic?

By law, an organic product may contain only genuine food ingredients. BERTRAND is the first certified meal replacement drink on the market. In BERTRAND, the nutrients come from foods combined in a way that provides what we need. Genuine organic oats, for example, provide protein as well as a good portion of unsaturated fatty acids. Algae provide calcium, while flaxseeds provide B vitamins in addition to omega-3 fatty acids.
Organic quality also means less contamination from pesticides or heavy metals, as food production is strictly regulated. Respect for nature through organic products, a commitment to sustainability, and fair conditions for farmers are also important factors when it comes to an organic product. Organic foods are also said to naturally contain higher levels of nutrients, as they are often grown using natural methods. For example, longer exposure to sunlight provides more vitamin D.

Sources:
https://annals.org/aim/article-abstract/2730525/association-among-dietary-supplement-use-nutrient-intake-mortality-among-u
https://www.boelw.de/service/bio-faq/lebensmittel/artikel/sind-bio-lebensmittel-gesuender/