Lower Intakes of Key Nutrients Are Associated with More Workplace Absenteeism: NHANES 2003–2008

OBJECTIVES: While the literature supports the importance of nutrition in physical health, the role of nutritional status, especially nutrient consumption, on work absenteeism in the United States population is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether dietary intake is associated with absenteeism in the workplace in US adults (19–64 years). METHODS: Data from NHANES 2003–08 cycles were used to estimate intakes of nutrients from food and food + supplements. Usual dietary intake was derived using the National Cancer Institute method with data from two valid 24-hr dietary recalls and a 30-day supplement use questionnaire. The mean of workplace absenteeism per year was estimated using negative binomial regression models with absenteeism data from the Medical Conditions Questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of 8,252 subjects, 3,919 reported missing workdays due to illness/injury (51%). The predicted mean of missed workdays was 4.79 days per year. Adults with absent days higher than 4.79 days had statistically significant lower intakes of nutrients including protein, vitamin E, thiamine, niacin, B6, folate, vitamin C, selenium, vitamin K, total choline, potassium, dietary fiber, alpha-Linolenic acid, alpha-carotene, and lycopene from food only. This association persisted for protein, selenium, vitamin K, total choline, potassium, dietary fiber, alpha-Linolenic acid, alpha-carotene, and lycopene when analyzed with usual intakes from both food and supplements. CONCLUSIONS: Lower intakes of protein and several essential micronutrients are associated with higher workplace absenteeism due to illness/injury. This negative association may be corrected by increasing fortified foods and/or adding supplements. Future studies are needed to ascertain whether more nutrient intakes from food and supplements, particularly for nutrients not commonly found in the typical American diet or supplements, is an effective intervention to reduce workplace absenteeism to improve work productivity. FUNDING SOURCES: This study was funded by Pharmavite LLC.