Study Finds Dietary Supplement Use Is Common Among People Living With Lupus

A new study found that dietary supplement use is widespread among adults living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with more than 80% of participants reporting use of at least one supplement and more than half using two or more. Nearly one-third of participants were also taking a supplement-medication combination with the potential for an interaction. Vitamin D, multivitamins and calcium were the most commonly used supplements reported by participants. 

Researchers analyzed data from 451 adults with SLE participating in the Approaches to Positive, Patient-centered Experiences of Aging with Lupus (APPEAL) study. Potential supplement-medication interactions were more common among people taking multiple prescription medications, those with greater lupus-related disease damage and those who had recently visited a primary care provider. Importantly, the researchers noted that the interactions  represent potential risks rather than demonstrated harm, and many depend on factors such as dose, timing and formulation. 

The study findings highlight the importance of open and transparent conversations between people with lupus and their healthcare providers about supplement use. It can also open the door to conversations around routine screening for supplements, better tools to identify possible interactions and additional research to determine which supplement-medication combinations may have clinically meaningful benefits or risks. Learn more about lupus nutrition. 

Read the study