Micronutrients play critical roles in supporting health across the lifespan, yet many Americans do not meet recommended dietary intakes through food alone.

To better understand these gaps, a research article led by Research Faculty III Alexandra Cowan-Pyle, Ph.D., and Principal Investigator Regan Bailey, Ph.D., MPH, R.D., used the Total Nutrient Index (TNI) to evaluate nutrient adequacy from both foods and dietary supplements, alongside the Food Nutrient Index (FNI), which assesses nutrient intake from foods alone, providing a more comprehensive view of overall dietary quality.

Using nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, FSU researchers evaluated how closely individuals meet recommended intake levels for key vitamins and minerals and compared these results with traditional measures of diet quality. 

Findings indicate that nutrient intakes improve when dietary supplements are included, and that dietary risks differ across age groups. Interestingly, many Americans do not meet recommended nutrient needs through diet alone, underscoring the importance of improving overall diet quality and nutrient density for all ages. Given that many Americans use supplements this study highlights the role of these products play in meeting dietary guidance.