Expert recommendations on the health benefits and use of vitamin and mineral supplements in healthy individuals and patients with chronic diseases (2025 edition)
10.3760/cma.j.cn115822-20250703-00131
- VernacularTitle:健康人与慢性病患者维生素矿物质补充的益处及使用的专家建议（2025版）
- Author:
Fang WANG
1
;
Junren KANG
1
;
Kang YU
1
Author Information
1. 中国医学科学院 北京协和医学院 北京协和医院临床营养科，北京 100730
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Healthy individuals;
Chronic diseases;
Vitamin-mineral supplements;
Health benefits
- From:
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition
2025;33(4):257-265
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Vitamin-mineral supplements have clear health benefits in specific populations, but the needs for these nutrients vary among different physiological stages: Periconceptional folic acid supplementation reduces the risk of fetal neural tube defects; iron supplementation prevents iron-deficiency anemia; combined use of calcium and vitamin D helps maintain bone density in middle-aged and older adults; and multivitamin-mineral supplementation may delay age-related cognitive decline in elderly adults. For patients with chronic diseases, regular multivitamin-mineral intake may reduce the risk of respiratory infections and may even alleviate symptoms in specific subpopulations. Studies in Linxian have suggested lower mortality from esophageal cancer after multivitamin-mineral supplementation, although β-carotene may increase lung cancer risk among smokers. A combination of vitamin C and E, zinc, and β-carotene may slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Due to the synergistic effects among nutrients, combination formulations may be more advantageous. However, the use of fat-soluble vitamins must be lower than the tolerable upper intake levels to avoid accumulation and toxicity. For individuals at high risk of nutrient deficiency, the vitamin and mineral levels should be tested before supplementation, along with regular monitoring to facilitate dose adjustment. Liver and kidney function should be monitored in patients with chronic diseases after starting supplementation. In summary, vitamin and mineral supplements can improve health outcomes in specific populations. However, the use of these nutrients should be evidence-based and individualized, and vitamin-mineral supplements are not substitutes for medications or a balanced diet.
