Study
Rising Supplement Use for Immune and Joint Health in Older Adults
Supplement use among older adults increased from 62% to 78% over 25 years, with a focus on immune and joint health.
Summary
In plain language
A recent study highlighted a growing trend in dietary supplement use among older adults in the U.S. Over the past 25 years, the number of seniors taking supplements rose from 62% to 78%. This increase is mainly due to the use of vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and zinc, and non-traditional supplements like turmeric and elderberry, especially those marketed for immune and joint health. This trend suggests that more seniors are looking to supplements for maintaining health and wellness. It's important for seniors to discuss these changes with their healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective use.
Details
Use the full description to understand the study design, methods, and the limits of the findings.
This study analyzed data from a national survey over 25 years, focusing on trends in supplement use among U.S. adults.
The analysis showed a significant rise in supplement use from 51% to 60% overall, with older adults showing the highest increase, from 62% to 78%.
Key findings include increased use of single vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and zinc, and newer supplements like elderberry, aimed at boosting immune and joint health.
While the findings are promising, seniors should be cautious of interactions with medications and should seek advice from healthcare providers.
It's essential to discuss any supplement use with healthcare professionals to tailor choices to individual health needs.
Full Study
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Rising Supplement Use for Immune and Joint Health in Older Adults
Published September 2026
Opens at the publisher · external site · may require institutional access
Research Quality Score
Scored September 26, 2026 using rubric mq-1.8_2026-07-06.
Assessment
The study is a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data, providing insights into supplement use trends over 25 years. It lacks rigorous bias control and statistical integrity due to its retrospective nature and reliance on self-reported data. Transparency is moderate, with adherence to STROBE guidelines but no pre-registration. Conflicts of interest are partially disclosed, with industry funding noted. The study is relevant to older adults, but journal quality is unassessed due to lack of information.
Category Breakdown
| Category | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Study design | 3.3/10 | |
| Bias control | 3.3/10 | |
| Statistical methods | 5.0/10 | |
| Reporting completeness | 5.0/10 | |
| Conflicts & funding | 5.0/10 | |
| Replication | 0.0/10 | |
| Relevance to chosen population | 10.0/10 | |
| Journal Reliability | 5.0/10 |
Additional Notes
The study analyzes trends in dietary supplement use among US adults from 1999 to 2023 using NHANES data, highlighting increased use among older adults and diversification of supplement types.
Assessed on the study's full text across 8 quality dimensions; conflict-of-interest disclosures were reviewed.
Treatments Evaluated in This Research
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Supplements
Supplements help fill nutritional gaps and support healthy aging. For seniors, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s can enhance bone strength, heart health, energy, and immune function when used safely under professional guidance.
Vitamins
Vitamins are essential nutrients that help maintain energy, immunity, and overall vitality. For seniors, daily vitamin support can fill nutritional gaps, strengthen bones, and protect heart and brain health when used safely under professional guidance.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system and overall well-being. It benefits seniors by boosting immunity, promoting healthy skin, and aiding in the absorption of iron. As we age, the body's ability to absorb and utilize nutrients efficiently declines, making Vitamin C supplementation a valuable consideration for maintaining health and vitality.
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