Supplementation Behavior and Expenditures in Healthy German Vegans, Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarians and Omnivores: A Cross-Sectional Study

<b>Purpose:</b> Dietary supplements may ensure an adequate intake of nutrients of concern in all diets. Supplementation behavior and expenditures in vegetarians and vegans, however, have been rarely discussed in the literature. <b>Methods:</b> We reviewed supplementation expenditures in a cohort of 115 healthy adult German vegans, lacto-ovo-vegetarians and omnivores, characterized by comparable sociodemographic data. Supplementation behavior (excluding protein supplements) was re-analyzed to estimate yearly supplementation expenditures by dietary group. <b>Results:</b> The number of total supplements and multivitamin supplements taken differed significantly between the 3 groups (<i>P</i> = .016 and .026, respectively). Median number (interquartile range) of reported supplements in vegans was n = 2.5 (3), n = 2 (1) in lacto-ovo-vegetarians and n = 1 (2) in omnivores. Yearly supplementation expenses in supplementing participants ranged from .66€ to 1566.50€. They were highest in vegans (53.81€), followed by omnivores (29.30€) and lacto-ovo-vegetarians (12.05€) (<i>P</i> = .013). Approximately 40% of participants spent more than 50 Euros per year on supplements. A strong association between supplement expenses and the number of reported supplements was found (Spearman's rho: .65, <i>P</i> < .001). The most frequent supplements were vitamin D (vegetarians/omnivores) and vitamin B12 (vegans). <b>Conclusions:</b> Supplements were widely used in our study population, with substantial differences in expenditures and risk for over-supplementation across the examined diet groups.