Does Dietary Supplement Use Increase Micronutrient Intake Adequacy in Healthy Adults with Habitual Omnivorous, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diets?

Our assessment

This 2024 study examined whether taking dietary supplements helps adults meet their nutrient needs across four different eating patterns: omnivorous, vegetarian, vegan, and low-carbohydrate high-fat diets. The research looked at healthy adults and compared their nutrient intake from food alone versus food plus supplements. Data not available on the exact number of participants or study duration. What this means for you: the study directly addresses whether a "pill" can fill the nutritional gaps left by specific diets.

How it works

The researchers analyzed how supplements changed the percentage of people who got enough of key vitamins and minerals from their food. Think of it as a nutritional audit: the study checked if adding supplements helped people cross the threshold from "not enough" to "adequate" intake for nutrients like vitamin D, B12, iron, and calcium. What this means for you: the results show whether relying on supplements is a reliable strategy for closing diet-specific nutrient gaps, or if food choices matter most.

Safety profile

Data not available on adverse events or side effects from this specific study. No FDA adverse event report counts were provided for the supplements examined in this research. What this means for you: without side effect data from the study or FDA reports, we cannot assess the safety risks associated with the supplement use patterns described in this research.

Our recommendation

This study highlights that supplement needs depend heavily on your diet pattern. For example, vegans may need B12 supplements, while those on low-carbohydrate high-fat diets might need more fiber or certain minerals. What this means for you: rather than guessing, get your nutrient levels tested and match supplements to your specific diet's known shortfalls. The study confirms that supplements can help, but they are not a substitute for a balanced eating pattern [2024].