Beliefs about and usage of vitamin/mineral supplements by elderly participants of rural congregate meal programs in central Iowa.

Responses to the belief statements indicated that elderly subjects who used supplements, either appropriately or inappropriately, had more misperceptions about vitamin/mineral supplements than elderly subjects who did not use supplements. These results indicate that the elderly need guidance from dietitians or other qualified health professionals to make informed choices on whether to take vitamin/mineral supplements. Those elderly persons who choose to use supplement products also need guidance in terms of safety and cost.