Description

For both sample adults and sample children in 2007 and 2012 who had taken vitamins or minerals during the past 12 months (VITANY) and for only sample adults in 2010 and 2015, VITMO indicates whether the person had taken vitamins or minerals during the past 30 days.

Vitamins were one of many alternative health treatment modalities included in the 2007 and 2012 Complementary and Alternative Health Supplements and in the 2010 and 2015 Cancer Supplement. If sample adults (or children) gave a positive response to VITMO, they were asked a series of follow-up questions.

Related Variables
Additional information about use of vitamins and minerals was collected for respondents who reported taking vitamins in the past 12 months, including variables on frequency of use and which medications were taken. Please use the IPUMS NHIS drop-down menus and search function to learn more about these variables.

Comparability

For 2007 and 2012, VITMO is fully comparable between sample adults and sample children.

As noted in the variable description, in 2007 and 2012, respondents were asked if they had taken any vitamins or minerals that were listed on a flashcard that was shown to them. By contrast, in 2010 and 2015, respondents were asked if they had taken "any vitamin or mineral pills or supplements of any kind." There are also universe differences between 2007/2012 and 2010/2015.

Universe

Availability

• 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015

Weights

• 2007, 2010, 2015 : SAMPWEIGHT
• 2012 : SUPP4WT