Mineral supplements' effect on total nutrient intake in Warsaw adult population; cross-sectional assessment.

BACKGROUND

Mineral supplementation is important whenever any dietary deficiencies of these nutrients occur. However, an excessive consumption of such products can lead to the negative health consequences.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the mineral supplements contribution to total dietary intake for adults living in Warsaw.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Within the frame of the EHES JA Poland and WAW-KARD Projects a representative sample of Warsaw population aged 20 years and above was screened in years 2011/2012. Nutrient intake and supplements use were available for 573 men and 497 women. The minerals levels were analyzed in reference to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL).

RESULTS

In Warsaw population the intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium were lower than RDA, and supplementation didn't eliminate deficiency of these nutrients (except for magnesium in a group of women). Phosphorus intakes were somewhat higher than those recommended. Enriching the diet with zinc and copper supplements in both sexes were un- necessary, as was iron in men, as their daily dietary intakes closely met the recommended standards. Iron supplementation in women however proved effective, as their daily dietary intakes were rather low.

CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness of supplementing the diets of adults living in Warsaw with minerals depends on their type.