Prevalence and Determinants of Dietary Supplements Use Among Saudi Infants and Toddlers

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of dietary supplement use in Saudi infants and toddlers. A cross-sectional sample of 156 Saudi infants and toddlers and their mothers who reside in Saudi Arabia was recruited via an online survey that was distributed on multiple social media platforms. Data collected include sociodemographic, maternal height and weight, feeding practices, types, initiation, and frequency of supplements use in infants and toddlers. Sixty-three percent of the infants and toddlers included in this study were using dietary supplements. Over three-quarters of the breastfed infants and toddlers were on dietary supplements. All infants and toddlers who were taking dietary supplements used vitamin D; yet, the use of multivitamins and minerals, iron, and vitamin C supplements was not frequently reported. The use of supplements was significantly higher among infants and toddlers who were the only children in the family and had younger and unemployed mothers. Interventions that target increasing maternal awareness concerning the importance of supplement use among young children in Saudi Arabia are needed.