P05.26 LB
Purpose: Conventional assessment methods may underestimate the use of botanical supplements in ethnic minorities who reportedly consume teas rather than encapsulated forms. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare methodology for botanical and non-vitamin non-mineral (NVNM) dietary supplement measurement in a sample of Hispanics/Latinos in the United States (US).
Methods: At baseline (2008–2011), supplements were assessed with three methods in HCHS/SOL (n=15,673): 1) past 4-week medication inventory; 2) past 30-day dietary supplement interview (DI); and 3) two 24-hour dietary recalls. Prevalence estimates for medication inventory, DI, and recalls were adjusted with sampling and nonresponse weights and age-standardized to the US 2010 Census. Concordance statistics compared the medication inventory and DI.
Results: Self-reported prevalence of NVNM and botanical supplement use was markedly higher for the DI as compared to the medication interview—for NVNM (including botanical) supplements (24.6 vs. 12.9%) and for botanicals alone (9.4 vs. 4.4%). Concordance between the two measures was fair/moderate (Kappa 0.30–0.57), but negative agreement was high (≥0.88). With the addition of teas and raw botanicals from the dietary recalls, prevalence increased by 34% for NVNM supplements and 127% for botanicals. In the DI data (without recalls), the most common supplement ingredients mirrored those widespread in the general public: omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., fish oil, flax oil) (9.7%), lutein (9.6%), and lycopene (10.5%). Commonly reported botanical ingredients were ginseng (2.6%), ginkgo (2.6%), garlic (1.7%), and extracts of fruits (4.2%) and vegetables (2.3%). In 24-hour recalls, chamomile tea was more often reported (1.9%) than in the DI (0.2%)
Conclusion: Different botanical supplement measurement methodologies yielded different results among Hispanics/Latinos in HCHS/SOL—measurement methodology should be considered when evaluating study results. Among Hispanics/Latinos, comprehensive botanical use ascertainments require multiple assessments, including those that capture raw botanicals. Because botanicals may have adverse effects and interact with medications, accurate measurement is critical.
Contact: Keturah Faurot, faurot@med.unc.edu
