1 in 3 with lupus takes supplements, medications with potential for interactions

06 Oct 2026, 21:40 · Medical Xpress

by Lori Solomon

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Nearly 1 in 3 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are taking a supplement-medication combination with potential for an interaction, according to a study published online Sept. 22 in Arthritis Care & Research.

Dr. Sarah L. Patterson, from the University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues used data from 451 adults participating in the Approaches to Positive, Patient-centered Experiences of Aging with Lupus study to identify commonly used supplements and evaluate potential supplement-medication interactions.

The researchers found that 80.9% of participants used at least one supplement and 55.9% used two or more, which was more common among participants who were older, had higher educational attainment, used five or more prescription medications or had greater health care utilization. Vitamin D (64.1%), multivitamins (45.2%), calcium (29.7%), vitamin B12 (10.6%) and iron (9.3%) were the most commonly used supplements.

Nearly 1 in 3 participants (29.5%) were taking a supplement-medication combination with potential for an interaction. Participants with polypharmacy, greater SLE disease damage and recent primary care visits had a greater frequency of potential drug interactions.

"These findings underscore the need for routine assessment of supplement use and strategies to support safe, informed use of supplements in people with SLE," the authors write.

Publication details

Sarah L. Patterson et al, Prevalence of Dietary Supplement Use and Potential Medication Interactions Among Adults with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Arthritis Care & Research (2026). DOI: 10.1002/acr.80165

Journal information: Arthritis Care & Research

Key medical concepts

Systemic lupus erythematosusDietary SupplementsPolypharmacy

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RheumatologyClinical pharmacology Who's behind this story?

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