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Review
. 2008 Jul;98(7):1171-6.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2007.122762. Epub 2008 May 29.

Multivitamin-mineral supplements in the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program: not a one-size-fits-all quick fix

Melissa Ventura Marra  1 , Nancy S Wellman
Affiliations
Review

Multivitamin-mineral supplements in the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program: not a one-size-fits-all quick fix

Melissa Ventura Marra et al. Am J Public Health. 2008 Jul.

Abstract

We challenge the suggestion of Congress that the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program should provide multivitamin-mineral supplements (MVMs) in addition to meals. MVMs are not a quick fix for poor diets. They do not contain calories, protein, essential fatty acids, or fiber, nor do they adequately address nutritional gaps of some vitamins and minerals. Older adults with chronic health conditions who take multiple medications are at greater risk than the general healthy population for nutrient-drug interactions and toxicity. The OAA Nutrition Program is not an appropriate venue to indiscriminately distribute MVMs, because there is insufficient evidence of their benefits and safety. The program's limited funds and efforts should instead be directed to nutrient-dense healthy meals, quality food service, and greater accessibility to individualized nutrition services.

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References

    1. US Administration on Aging. Highlights from the pilot study: Second National Survey of Older Americans Act Title III Service Recipients. Available at: http://www.gpra.net/nationalsurvey/files/2ndhighlights.pdf. Accessed February 5, 2008.
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    1. US Administration on Aging. FY2006 US profile of OAA programs. Available at: http://www.aoa.gov/prof/agingnet/NAPIS/SPR/2006SPR/profiles/us.pdf. Accessed February 5, 2008.

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