Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is increasingly common with the rapid economic growth. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin and mineral supplement use among adults aged 20 or older from the third Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey data and to explore the effect of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors as well as nutrient intake on taking supplements. People who had participated in both a health questionnaire and a nutritional survey were selected, and 2,871 men and 3,555 women were finally included in this analysis. Both men and women with a higher level of education, those residing in a metropolitan area, and those with higher income were more likely to take supplements. Health behaviors were not significantly associated with taking supplements. Mean nutrient intake of all nutrients except energy intake was not significantly different in men or women taking supplements after adjusting for age, education, marital status, resident area, smoking, and energy intake. Compared to Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for Koreans, most vitamins and minerals, except vitamin B2 and calcium, were consumed at higher than the Recommended Intake (RI) without supplements. In conclusion, taking supplements such as vitamin B2 and calcium may promote health and prevent disease. However, the type and frequency of other vitamin and mineral supplements consumed should be considered with caution.

• 이여옥 | Lee, Yeo-Ok
• 송윤주 | Song, Yoon-Ju