Dietary supplement users report physicians are primary source of information in East and West geographic regions

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess primary sources of information about dietary supplements (DS) and to determine if the sources differ between geographic regions.MethodsQuestionnaires and verification of supplement labels were used to assess DS use and sources of information for 646 healthy male and female subjects aged 21–75 who had been recruited for lipoprotein assessment studies at Tufts University and UC Davis. A chi‐square test with an alpha of 0.05 was used.ResultsDS were taken by 65.2% of participants (M 49.5%; F 50.5%). In contrast to earlier studies that showed physicians were infrequent sources of DS information, this study found the most common source of DS advice for all respondents was physicians (52.4%). Other sources of information differed significantly depending on geographic location. Those in the east were more likely to ask health food retailers or pharmacists (p<0.001). Those in the west were more likely to rely on family (p=0.002) and friends (p=0.021) and magazines/journals/news and the internet (p<0.001).ConclusionWhen DS use is discussed with health care providers more informed use and fewer possible drug‐DS interactions may occur. Physicians may benefit from increased education about DS since they will be accountable for accurate information regarding DS use. (Research support: Bastyr University)