scholarly journals Dietary supplement use among dietetics students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynelda Pillay ◽  
Kirthee Pillay

Background: A dietary supplement is a product that aims to add nutritional value to the diet. University students are known to make use of dietary supplements to improve their academic performance, increase energy levels and promote overall general health. Based on assumption, students studying towards a nutrition-related degree may eat healthily and choose not to use dietary supplements. Alternatively, because of their interest in and exposure to nutrition, they may decide to use dietary supplements. However, there is a lack of published studies investigating the prevalence of dietary supplement use and reasons for use among South African university students studying towards a nutrition-related degree.Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the use of dietary supplements by dietetics students.Setting: University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire.Results: Of the 139 participants, 23% (n = 32) used dietary supplements. There was a greater use by female students, those who lived at home and those registered for the Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics. Reasons for using dietary supplements included the following: to strengthen the immune system (62.5%), to improve energy levels (56.3%) and to enhance physical health (50%). Cost (32.7%; n = 35), an adequate diet (22.4%; n = 24) and not necessary or waste of money (15%; n = 16) were reasons for not using dietary supplements. Most students (84.4%) made use of a multivitamin and mineral supplement.Conclusion: There was a low prevalence of dietary supplement use by UKZN dietetics students, with the high cost of supplements given as the main reason for non-use.

Author(s):  
Hanmei Liu ◽  
Shiya Zhang ◽  
Hanshuang Zou ◽  
Yuanlin Pan ◽  
Qiping Yang ◽  
...  

Dietary supplement use is increasing globally, especially among children. However, few studies have been conducted to examine dietary supplement use among Chinese children. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of dietary supplement use and the associated factors in primary school students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four primary schools in Hunan province, China. A total of 706 Chinese parents/caregivers of school children aged 6–12 years old were enrolled. Self-administrated questionnaires were used to collect information about the children’s dietary supplement use, and their socio-demographic characteristics. The prevalence of dietary supplement use in primary school students was 20.4%. Calcium (16.7%), vitamin C (9.2%), and vitamin D (8.5%) were the most commonly used types of dietary supplement. The main reasons for parents/caregivers to purchase dietary supplements for their children were immunity improvement (43.6%), and for growth promotion (36.5%). Some caregivers (26.4%) purchased dietary supplements online, including from dubious or unknown sellers. However, 37.5% of caregivers did not receive formal guidance on supplementation even if they purchased their supplements through formal channels. Parents/caregivers were unclear about the appropriate choices for children’s dietary supplement use. Guidelines and counseling regarding dietary supplements for children may be helpful in public health work.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 783-790
Author(s):  
Doaa M. Abdel-Salam ◽  
Jumanah M. Alruwaili ◽  
Raghad A. Alshalan ◽  
Taghreed A. Alruwaili ◽  
Shrouq A. Alanazi ◽  
...  

Background: Dietary supplement use received wide attention and interest throughout the world, particularly in Gulf countries, because of advanced economic and industrial growth. Objective: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of dietary supplement use among medical students at Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, an anonymous self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed among medical students at Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. Out of the 381 medical students, 366 answered the questionnaire with a response rate of 96%. Analysis of data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program, version 24. Statistical significance was considered at P values <0.05. Results: Regarding the prevalence of dietary supplement use, 36.3% (n=133) and 29.5% (n=108) of the respondents were previous and current users of dietary supplements, respectively. Multivitamins and vitamin D were the most prevalent dietary supplements used by the participants. The students reported that the internet was the main source of knowledge concerning dietary supplements. The significant predictors of dietary supplement use in the logistic regression analysis were: age >21 years (odds ratio (OR): 3.26; confidence interval (CI): 1.67-10.53), females sex (odds ratio (OR): 2.23; confidence interval (CI): 2.34-6.84), and being in the third academic year or more (odds ratio (OR): 2.58; confidence interval (CI): 1.82-5.37). The most reported reasons for utilizing dietary supplements were nutritional supplementation and health promotion. Nearly three-quarters of the students agreed that dietary supplementation is good for health and recommended others to use them after doctor recommendation. Conclusion: Dietary supplement use was remarkably high among medical students at Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. Consumption of dietary supplements increased significantly among older students, females, and those in the third academic year or more. This study recommends other studies involving students from non-health domain colleges to detect if there is a difference in the prevalence of dietary supplement use within this population.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 270-276
Author(s):  
Nastaran Talank ◽  
Ehsan Mirzaei ◽  
Mahtabalsadat Mirjalili ◽  
Maryam Rangchian ◽  
Younes Mohammadi ◽  
...  

Background: Based on the available evidence, diet alone cannot fulfill maternal and fetal nutritional demands during pregnancy. Therefore, taking dietary supplements are recommended during pregnancy worldwide. Maternal socio-demographic characteristics can affect dietary supplements consumption during pregnancy. Little information is available with regard to the dietary supplement consumption in Iranian pregnant women. Objective: This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of dietary supplement use in Iranian pregnant woman. Methods: 250 pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy attending the obstetric clinic affiliated to Hamadan University of Medical Sciences between February and August 2018 were asked to complete a questionnaire. Information including socio-demographic and other related characteristics of precipitants and use of any dietary supplements during their current pregnancy was collected. Chi-square test and independent sample t-test were used to determine the association between variables. Results: The results showed that dietary supplement use among Iranian pregnant women was relatively high (69%). Folic acid was the most common supplement used by the participants (66%) followed by multivitamin (52%) and Iron (48.6%). However, only 26.4% of pregnant women reported consumption of folic acid prior to pregnancy. The consumption of dietary supplements was directly associated with the age (P=0.003), level of education (P<0.001), family income (P=0.03), and the history of miscarriage (P=0.047). Conclusion: Although dietary supplement use among Iranian pregnant women was relatively high, pregnant women with poor socio-economic status do not consume required dietary supplements. Thus, vulnerable groups can benefit from educational and financial supports during pregnancy.


Food Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 116-123
Author(s):  
N. Erzurum Alim ◽  
R.E. Karakaya ◽  
O.P. Turk Fidan

Dietary supplements are concentrated sources of nutrients used as an addition to a normal diet with a nutritional or physiological effect. In this cross-sectional study, it was aimed to determine the factors of dietary supplement use, the related knowledge, and their relationship with supplement use in a faculty of health sciences among university students. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 333 voluntary university students from Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, the Faculty of Health Sciences. A questionnaire form consisting of 5 sections was applied to the students by face-to-face interview method. The most remarked purposes of supplement use were to improve health (44.2%) and boost immunity (22.1%). There was no difference between age, gender, department, coexistent disease, tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption in terms of dietary supplement use (p = 0.611, p = 0.720, p = 0.682, p = 0.062, p = 0.491, and p = 0.658, respectively). No significant difference was observed between physical activity status, the duration of physical activity, dieting status, the source of diet program, daily frequency of main meals and snacks, body mass index (BMI) groups, and the reason for meal skipping among students according to dietary supplement use (p = 0.180, p = 0.205, p = 0.686, p = 0.226, p = 0.533, p = 0.449, p = 0.976, and p = 0.758, respectively). There was not any significant difference between physical activity status, the duration of physical activity, dietary supplement use, dieting status, the frequency of main meals and snacks and BMI in terms of total knowledge score of dietary supplements (p = 0.245, p = 0.713, p = 0.278, p = 0.067, p = 0.466, p = 0.647, and p = 0.851, respectively). Scientific attention should be paid to the use of dietary supplements. Arbitrary approaches can lead to unwanted interactions. Therefore, in order for health and government policies to be established related to dietary supplements, it is essential to determine the factors related to their use.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazue Ishitsuka ◽  
Satoshi Sasaki ◽  
Hidetoshi Mezawa ◽  
Mizuho Konishi ◽  
Maki Igarashi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background A variety of dietary supplements are commercially available. However, the efficacy and safety of dietary supplement use in children are not well established. Understanding dietary supplement use is important for developing public health policy regarding dietary supplements. This study aimed to investigate the types of dietary supplements used and characteristics of dietary supplement users among Japanese elementary school children. Method We conducted a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire study. Dietary supplement use, socio-demographics, and health-related behaviors were assessed through mother-reported questionnaire. Types of dietary supplements were identified based on ingredient using product barcodes and brand names. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the socio-demographics and health-related behaviors associated with supplement use. Results Among 4933 children, 333 (6.8%) were identified as dietary supplement users. The most common supplement was amino acids or protein (1.4%), followed by n–3 fatty acids or fish oil (1.0%), probiotics (1.0%), multivitamins (0.9%), multivitamin-minerals (0.8%), and botanicals (0.8%). Overall, any dietary supplement use was significantly associated with the highest frequency of sports participation (odds ratio [OR], 2.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65–4.02), highest household income (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.13–3.10), highest maternal educational level (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.31–2.52), and male sex (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.09–1.75). The highest frequency of sports participation was significantly associated with higher odds of use of amino acids or protein (OR, 6.06; 95% CI, 1.78–20.6) and multivitamins (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.11–11.5), compared to the lowest frequency of sports participation. Conclusion This study showed that Japanese children primarily use non-vitamin, non-mineral supplements. Non-vitamin, non-mineral supplements should thus be included in future studies aimed at monitoring dietary supplement use. We also found that dietary supplement use in children was associated with sports participation. Guidelines for dietary supplement use for children, in particular sport participants, are needed.


Author(s):  
Abdulraof Alqrache ◽  
Mostafa Mostafa ◽  
Omar Ghabrah ◽  
Ziyad Ghabrah ◽  
Nezar Kamal ◽  
...  

Oral dietary supplements (DSs) include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, energy drinks, and herbal products. The use of DSs is increasing and their manufacturers promote their benefits. Studies have validated some of these benefits, but have also indicated that some DSs can have adverse effects, especially if used without the appropriate supervision. Little information on DS use among Saudis is available. This study assessed the use of dietary supplements among male and female university students with the goal of educating the community about DSs and the dangers associated with their misuse. Online and paper validated questionnaires were administered to King Abdulaziz University (KAU) students between September 2019 and January 2020. The responses were collected and analyzed statistically. Of the 954 KAU students who completed the survey, one-third used DSs (42.9% women vs 25.7% men). Of these, 51.7% believed that DSs are essential for health, 41.7% classified them as both food and drugs, 67.2% were aware that DSs could not replace a healthy diet, and 25.8% were aware of their potentially harmful effects. Multivitamins and minerals were the most used DSs. DS awareness among KAU students is limited. Additional health education is necessary to assist students in their selection of the most suitable DSs.


2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1390-1402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carin Andrén Aronsson ◽  
Kendra Vehik ◽  
Jimin Yang ◽  
Ulla Uusitalo ◽  
Kristen Hay ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and associated factors of dietary supplement use, particularly supplements containing vitamin D and fatty acids, in pregnant women enrolled in a multi-national study.DesignThe Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study is a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Maternal dietary supplement use was self-reported through questionnaires at month 3 to 4 postpartum.SettingSix clinical research centres; three in the USA (Colorado, Georgia/Florida and Washington) and three in Europe (Sweden, Finland and Germany).SubjectsMothers (n 7326) to infants screened for high-risk HLA-DQ genotypes of type 1 diabetes.ResultsNinety-two per cent of the 7326 women used one or more types of supplement during pregnancy. Vitamin D supplements were taken by 65 % of the women, with the highest proportion of users in the USA (80·5 %). Overall, 16 % of the women reported taking fatty acid supplements and a growing trend was seen in all countries between 2004 and 2010 (P < 0·0001). The use was more common in Germany (32 %) and the USA (24 %) compared with Finland (8·5 %) and Sweden (7·0 %). Being pregnant with the first child was a strong predictor for any supplement use in all countries. Low maternal age (<25 years), higher education, BMI ≥ 25·0 kg/m2 and smoking during pregnancy were factors associated with supplement use in some but not all countries.ConclusionsThe majority of the women used dietary supplements during pregnancy. The use was associated with sociodemographic and behavioural factors, such as parity, maternal age, education, BMI and maternal smoking.


2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (17) ◽  
pp. 3156-3165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolieke C van der Pols ◽  
Jeeva Kanesarajah ◽  
Alison Bell ◽  
Chi-Wai Lui

AbstractObjectiveTo assess patterns and levels of dietary supplement use among Australian Defence Forces, previously deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations.DesignA cross-sectional study. Participants of a large survey self-completed questions about dietary supplement use, health status, personal and job-related characteristics, and lifestyle factors. Frequency of current use of supplements was assessed in three categories (bodybuilding, energy and weight loss).SettingMiddle East Area of Operations post-deployment health survey.SubjectsCurrent and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel (n 14 032) who deployed to the Middle East between 2001 and 2009.ResultsBodybuilding supplements were used by 17·5 % of participants, energy supplements by 24·5 % and weight-loss supplements by 7·6 %. Overall, 32·3 % of participants used any of these supplements. Bodybuilding and energy supplements were more often used by men, younger persons and those in the Army, while weight-loss supplements were more commonly used by women and Navy personnel. Supplements in all three categories were more commonly used by persons in lower ranks, active service and combat roles. Users of bodybuilding supplements had healthier lifestyles and better health status, while users of energy and weight-loss supplements had less healthy lifestyles and poorer mental and physical health status. Overall, 11·7 % of participants used supplements containing caffeine and 3·6 % used a creatine-containing product.ConclusionsUse of dietary supplements among Australian Defence Force personnel is common, and patterned by lifestyle factors and health status.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Etsuko Kobayashi ◽  
Chiharu Nishijima ◽  
Yoko Sato ◽  
Keizo Umegaki ◽  
Tsuyoshi Chiba

The prevalence of dietary supplement use, such as vitamins, minerals, or fish oil, has increased among children in Japan; however, whether children are using dietary supplements appropriately remains unclear. This study aimed to determine dietary supplement use among children. In August 2017, a nationwide internet preliminary survey of 265,629 mothers aged from 25 to 59 years old was undertaken. Of these, 19,041 mothers of children attending either elementary school, junior high school, or high school were selected. Among them, 16.4% were currently providing their children with dietary supplements and 5.2% had previously given dietary supplements to their children. The prevalence of dietary supplement use was higher in boys than in girls, and the prevalence increased according to their grade. A total of 2439 participants were eligible to undertake a targeted survey on dietary supplement use. Dietary supplements were being taken to maintain health, supplement nutrients, and enhance growth in both boys and girls, and many children (37.5%) were provided with vitamin and mineral supplements. Mothers mainly obtained information concerning dietary supplements via the internet, and supplements were purchased in drug stores or via the internet. The prevalence of dietary supplement use in mothers was 65.4% and may be associated with the prevalence rates in children. Some mothers reported adverse events (3.6%) in their children, such as stomachache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and constipation. The cause-and-effect relationships for adverse events were not clear, but some children were given products for adults. Children are more influenced by dietary supplements compared to adults. To prevent adverse events due to inappropriate use, parental education concerning dietary supplements is essential.


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