Supplement use, nutritional biomarkers and health outcomes among older adults > 50 years in Canada, Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Project Summary

As people get older, maintaining good nutrition becomes increasingly important for staying healthy and independent. Blood tests that measure certain nutrients including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and hemoglobin are often used to monitor nutritional status and overall health. However, the meaning of these biomarkers is not always clear because they may be influenced by diet, supplements, medications, or existing health conditions. For example, poor nutritional status may be linked to a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease or death. This study will use data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) to examine how supplement use is related to nutritional biomarkers, and how these biomarkers are associated with development of multiple health conditions, risk of death, and patterns of healthcare use among adults aged > 50 years. The findings will improve understanding of how health is monitored in older adults and support strategies for promoting healthy aging.