Supplementation Behavior and Expenditures in Healthy German Vegans, Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarians and Omnivores: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Purpose: Dietary supplements may ensure an adequate intake of nutrients of concern in all diets. Supplementation behavior and expenditures in vegetarians and vegans, however, have been rarely discussed in the literature. Methods: We reviewed supplementation expenditures in a cohort of 115 healthy adult German vegans, lacto-ovo-vegetarians and omnivores, characterized by comparable sociodemographic data. Supplementation behavior (excluding protein supplements) was re-analyzed to estimate yearly supplementation expenditures by dietary group. Results: The number of total supplements and multivitamin supplements taken differed significantly between the 3 groups (P = .016 and .026, respectively). Median number (interquartile range) of reported supplements in vegans was n = 2.5 (3), n = 2 (1) in lacto-ovo-vegetarians and n = 1 (2) in omnivores. Yearly supplementation expenses in supplementing participants ranged from .66€ to 1566.50€. They were highest in vegans (53.81€), followed by omnivores (29.30€) and lacto-ovo-vegetarians (12.05€) (P = .013). Approximately 40% of participants spent more than 50 Euros per year on supplements. A strong association between supplement expenses and the number of reported supplements was found (Spearman's rho: .65, P < .001). The most frequent supplements were vitamin D (vegetarians/omnivores) and vitamin B12 (vegans). Conclusions: Supplements were widely used in our study population, with substantial differences in expenditures and risk for over-supplementation across the examined diet groups.