RESULTS
Among 3,294 elderly aged 65 years and above, 537 (16.3%) reported using vitamin-mineral supplements. The mean participant age was 72 years and 40.6% were men.
1. Reason, Category, Duration, and Frequency of Dietary Supplement Use
The most common reason for dietary supplement use was recommendation from friends and acquaintances (72.8%). The elderly in Korea prefer functional foods (56.3%) to vitamin-mineral supplements (42.1%). The mean duration of supplement use was about 17 months, and most reported taking supplements once per day (60%)