Abstract
Current dietary supplement (DS) use among Saudi school students is not well described. In this study, we aim to investigate the prevalence and predictors of DS use among adolescents. This cross-sectional study collected data via self-administered questionnaire from 1221 students (12 to 18 years). The overall prevalence of DS use was 26.2%, significantly higher in females than males (33% vs. 17.9%, p < 0.001). High proportion of female DS users demonstrated normal BMI than males (84% vs. 56.5%, p < 0.001). High percentage of male DS users were engaged in vigorous and/or high physical activity (PA) levels than female DS users (58.2% vs. 43%, p = 0.022; and 57.1% vs. 20.7%, p < 0.001, respectively). The main reasons for DS use among females were vitamin deficiency (63.3%), hair condition (37.6%) and nail health (23.5%) while in males, the main reasons were vitamin deficiency (58.4%) and body building (34.4%). The predictors of DS use in Saudi adolescents included being female, having high family income and being physically active. In conclusion, the overall prevalence and preference of DS use, though low among Saudi adolescents, was driven mostly by gender, physical activity levels and socioeconomic factors like family income. DS use guidelines and counselling among Saudi adolescents are warranted to improve public health.
Highlights
An adequate diet plays a key role in the maintenance of good health and ensures sufficient amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals in human body [1]
Consent form was obtained from Dean of Scientific Research King Saud University, Riyadh Saudi Arabia and all subjects gave their written informed consents for inclusion before they participated in the study
dietary supplement (DS) use was significantly high in females than males
Summary
An adequate diet plays a key role in the maintenance of good health and ensures sufficient amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals in human body [1]. The consumption of dietary supplement (DS) has increased tremendously in the last few decades in all age groups including young generation with its use in promoting different health benefits, adequate diet intake and improving physical performance [2,3]. Based on European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the DS are defined as “concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect intended to supplement a normal diet” [4]. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) states that in certain cases, the use of fortified foods and DS may be favorable for health [6]. Studies demonstrate that DS users are more likely to adapt healthy lifestyle including balanced dietary patterns, regular exercise, achieve
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