Analytically predicted estimates for vitamin D, vitamin A and chromium content in adult multivitamin/mineral products (MVMs) for the Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database (DSID)
Authors: Andrews Karen W , Gusev Pavel A , Dang Phuong Tan V , Savarala Sushma , Oh Laura Y , Pehrsson Pamela R , Dwyer Johanna T , Betz Joseph M , Costello Rebecca B , Saldanha Leila G , Douglass Larry W 
Published: November 2023

Adult MVMs are the most commonly reported dietary supplements in the US, with ~30% reporting their use. The analytically determined content of these products is ingredient specific, with some ingredients close to labeled levels and others significantly higher. The DSID (http://dsid.usda.nih.gov) reports analytically derived national estimates for ingredient content in DS, including adult MVMs. Predicted estimates are based on regression analysis of representative products purchased in 2006–07 (adult MVM‐1). These predictions are linked to NHANES 2003–2008 and can be used instead of labeled levels for more precise nutrient intake assessment in surveys.

A second adult MVM study (adult MVM‐2) was initiated to investigate how label information, sales, and quality change over time. Representative products were purchased in 2011, and sent for analysis to qualified laboratories. Final lab results were statistically evaluated. For the 18 ingredients analyzed in both adult MVM studies, overages in mean ingredient content were found for all vitamins (with thiamin a consistent exception) and all minerals, with some ingredients more variable than others.

Improvements in analytical methodology for vitamin D, vitamin A (beta‐carotene and retinol), and chromium provide reliable data for these ingredients in adult MVMs for the first time.

For vitamin D products labeled from 15 to 2,000 IU per serving, a linear regression model predicts mean analytical content ranging from 45 to 20% above label, with a 40.5% overage at the most common labeled level of 400 IU. For vitamin A products labeled from 1,000 to 20,000 IU per serving, a quadratic regression model predicts mean analytical content ranging from 49% above to 8.5% below label, with a 25.6% estimated overage at the most common labeled level (3,500 IU). For adult MVMs containing chromium, a linear regression model predicts mean overages of 29 to 10% across a 10–250 μg per serving label range, with a 20.4% overage at the most common labeled level (120 μg/serving). For these ingredients, the regression model was significantly better than the label claim at predicting actual product content.

For many vitamins and minerals in MVMs, labeled levels are at or above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Taking into account ingredient overages, the number of products in the adult MVM‐2 study at or above the RDA increased from 42% to 63% for vitamin A, and 47% to 62% for vitamin D. Most of the labeled and analytical results for chromium were well above the adequate intake (AI) level of 35 μg/day. Since consumers take MVMs over a number of years, and some combine MVM intake with high dose single vitamin or mineral DSs and highly fortified foods, the risk of excessive intakes should be investigated.

Support or Funding Information

ARS/USDA & ODS/NIH Y1CN501006