Impact of Dietary Supplement Usage on Nutrient Adequacy and the Risk of Nutrient Excess Among Korean Adults.

Our assessment

This study examined how different patterns of dietary supplement use affect nutrient intake among Korean adults. Researchers analyzed data from 9,889 adults who participated in the 2019-2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The goal was to understand whether taking supplements helps people meet their nutrient needs or puts them at risk of getting too much of certain nutrients. This is a large, population-based study, which strengthens its findings NIH ODS ↗.

How it works

The study found that the way people use supplements matters. Different usage patterns — such as taking one supplement versus multiple — were linked to different levels of nutrient adequacy and excess. For you, this means that more is not always better. While supplements can help fill nutritional gaps, taking too many or combining them carelessly can lead to getting too much of certain vitamins or minerals, which may have health risks NIH ODS ↗.

Safety profile

Data not available. The study focused on nutrient adequacy and excess, not on specific adverse events or side effects. No FDA adverse event report counts were provided in this data FDA FAERS ↗.

Our recommendation

Think of supplements as a tool to fill specific gaps, not a substitute for a balanced diet. Before starting any new supplement, consider getting a blood test to know what you actually need. A targeted approach — taking only what you are deficient in — is safer than using multiple supplements without guidance. This study reinforces that supplement patterns matter for both getting enough nutrients and avoiding excessive intake NIH ODS ↗.