Dietary Supplement Users Research Articles

Predictors of Dietary Supplement Use Among Children Attending Care and Educational Institutions in Krakow, Poland.

Socioeconomic status and parental lifestyle influence dietary behaviors, including the administration of oral dietary supplements in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selected health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors on the use of dietary supplements by children. In this cross-sectional observational study, a diagnostic survey based on the computer-assisted web interview method was conducted in November 2022 among 2826 parents whose children attend public educational institutions in Krakow, Poland. The study group included data on 497 nursery children (17.6%), 599 kindergarten children (21.2%), 1594 primary school children (56.4%), and 136 secondary school children (4.8%). Among all respondents, 72.2% were taking oral nutritional supplements, with vitamin D supplementation being particularly popular in all groups. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of supplement use, including special diet (p < 0.001), use of medication for chronic disease (p = 0.012), regularity of main meals (p = 0.022), and attending a sports school (p = 0.021). A decrease in supplement use was observed with the increasing level of education of children (p < 0.001). These results highlight the importance of various health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors in influencing decisions regarding dietary supplementation in children. Further assessment of dietary supplement usage should be conducted alongside evaluations of nutrient intake from the children's diet.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Lebanese patients with type II diabetes towards the use and abuse of dietary supplements: A cross-sectional study.

Dietary supplements (DS) use among Lebanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increased widely due to the country's economic and financial situation. This study was conducted (1) to estimate the prevalence of DS use among persons with T2DM amid the escalating economic crisis in Lebanon; (2) to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of DS use; and (3) to determine any significant association between socio-economic and socio-demographic factors and the use of DS modality. A cross-sectional study was conducted during the worst episode of the economic crisis between October and April 2022 on 460 adult patients with T2DM of both sexes. Patients were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. Almost 4 out of 10 patients with T2DM in our study were found to be using DS, where 27.6% take multivitamins frequently. One-third of the participants agreed that nutritional supplements are necessary to control diabetes symptoms and complications. Around 41.1% of the participants complained about hypoglycemia and used DS to control their blood sugar levels (56.4%), while the rest used it to improve their health (35.5%) and control their diet (2.2%). The predictors of DS usage were the patient's level of education [OR=3.9, CI=1.5-10, p=0.003), self-monitoring of blood sugars (OR=4.9, CI=1.68-14.6; p=0.004) and reading the nutrition label [OR=59.3, CI=6.3-55.8, p=0.000]. This study estimated the prevalence of DS use and abuse, among persons with diabetes type II and found three significant predictors of DS use among patients with T2DM. Public health experts should encourage healthy discussions and awareness with their patients to comprehend their views regarding DS use.

Supplement use habits and perceptions in patients with plasma cell disorders.

7526 Background: Dietary supplement usage is prevalent among cancer patients in the United States (US), estimated at 70% (Du et al., 2020). For patients with plasma cell disorders (PCDs), there is a strong interest in supplement use. Our 23-question survey aims to understand the perceptions, habits, and knowledge surrounding specific supplements — Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric/curcumin, and probiotics. Methods: From September 2023 to January 2024, 480 survey responses were collected via HealthTree Cure Hub. Deidentified demographic and survey data were retrieved, and summary statistics were used to evaluate responses. Results: Survey participants were predominantly female (58%), white (78%), aged ≥65 (61%), with a college degree or above (67%), and from the US (90%). While most patients (71%) used supplements pre-diagnosis, there was a 46% increase in supplement use post-diagnosis, where95% used supplements. Most patients obtained supplement information online — including medical media (45%) and myeloma education websites (28%)— and from physicians, such as oncologists (46%) or primary care providers (34%). Patient’s goals for supplement use included immune support (70%), prevention of nutritional deficiencies (54%), or halting cancer progression (38%). Of patients, 63% discussed their supplement use with their physician, with 74% preferring their oncologist’s recommendations. Overall, 91% of patients expressed interest in research on the risks and benefits of supplement use. Conclusions: This survey underscores the unmet need for research on supplements. Despite limited evidence, most survey participants reported an increase in supplement use after being diagnosed with a PCD, primarily interested in their oncologist's recommendations. [Table: see text]

Association between dietary supplements and frailty: a cross-sectional study using national survey data in South Korea

We aimed to examine the association between the use of specific types of dietary supplements and frailty using cross-sectional, nationally representative survey data. Adults aged ≥50 years in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2018–2020 were included. We calculated a 46-item frailty index to assess frailty. In total, 27,384 older adults were included (mean age: 62.47 years; median frailty index: 0.12). Among them, 72% used at least one dietary supplement. The prevalence of dietary supplement use was higher among women than among men and in participants with higher socioeconomic status. Compared to non-users, users of dietary supplements had a healthier diet and nutrient intake, and lower levels of frailty. After adjusting for socioeconomic and dietary factors, users of vitamin C, red ginseng or calcium were found to be significantly less frail. Our findings indicate promising results concerning dietary supplement intake in managing frailty among older Korean adults.

Evaluation of the eating habits of Polish esports players using the Quick Dietary Survey (QDS)

Background: Proper diet is crucial for the health and physical fitness for bothtraditional sport and esport. The study aimed to evaluate eating behaviours of elitePolish esports players using the QDS questionnaire.Methods: It was conducted on a group of 188 men aged 18-29 years, and a proprietarystandardized questionnaire for rapid dietary assessment (QDS) was utilized. A chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis, assuming a significance level of p&lt;0.05. Results: The results indicate that among surveyed esports players, the largestpercentage of them adhered to the dietary recommendations related of fluid intake(75%), replenishing fluids during exercise (72.3%), consuming cereal products (67.6%),considering the recommended number of meals (62.2%), and adequately hydratingafter exercise (60.1%). The study found that the most frequent dietary irregularitieswere usage of dietary supplements without consulting a doctor or nutritionist (75.9%),low consumption of meat substitutes (66.5%), and inadequate intake of recommendedproducts such as pulses (64.4%), fish (62.8%), vegetables (53.3%), and whole graincereal products (51.1%).The study group was dominated by players characterised bylow (44.7%) and average (40.4%) levels of implementation of dietaryrecommendations, as indicated by the nutrition score used. A higher level of rationaldietary choices was observed in 14.9% of the group. Statistical analysis revealed nosignificant differentiation of the analysed dietary behaviours between professional andsemi-professional players (p &gt; 0.05).Conclusions: The Quick Diet Survey (QDS) questionnaire used in the study is avaluable and reliable tool for rapid diet assessment. Therefore, the high prevalence ofinappropriate eating behaviours among esports players highlights the need fornutrition education.

Association between dietary supplement use and mortality in cancer survivors with different body mass index and frailty status: a cohort study.

The association between Body Mass Index (BMI), frailty index (FI), and dietary supplement in cancer survivors has been a subject of growing interest. This study investigates the relationship of BMI and FI with mortality in American cancer survivors and explores the impact of dietary supplement usage on different BMI and FI groups. Three thousand nine hundred and thirty-two cancer patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database were included in the analyses. BMI, FI, and supplement usage were obtained through the NHANES structured survey and the 49-item FI tool. Weighted logistic and Cox proportional hazards models, Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to elucidate the relationships between BMI, FI, dietary supplement, and mortality outcomes. The study found significant associations between higher BMI and increased frailty (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.02-1.06). BMI < 25 kg/m2 and FI > 0.2 are associated with an increased mortality rate. Dietary supplement use can reduce all-cause and cancer mortality in cancer patients with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.63, 95% CI, 0.47-0.84; HR = 0.48, 95% CI, 0.29-0.80) or FI ≤ 0.2 (HR = 0.77, 95% CI, 0.60-0.99; HR = 0.59, 95% CI, 0.39-0.89). In cancer patients with BMI < 25 kg/m2 and FI ≤ 0.2, dietary supplement users had lower all-cause and cancer mortality (HR = 0.49, 95% CI, 0.30-0.79; HR = 0.25, 95% CI, 0.10-0.60). The study revealed a negative correlation between BMI and the FI among the cancer patient cohort as well as their complex impact on mortality and highlighted the role of dietary supplement in cancer prognosis, indicating benefits for non-frail patients with BMI < 25 kg/m2.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Lebanese patients with type II diabetes towards the use and abuse of dietary supplements: A cross-sectional study

Background Dietary supplements (DS) use among Lebanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increased widely due to the country’s economic and financial situation. This study was conducted (1) to estimate the prevalence of DS use among persons with T2DM amid the escalating economic crisis in Lebanon; (2) to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of DS use; and (3) to determine any significant association between socio-economic and socio-demographic factors and the use of DS modality Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during the worst episode of the economic crisis between October and April 2022 on 460 adult patients with T2DM of both sexes. Patients were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. Results Almost 4 out of 10 patients with T2DM in our study were found to be using DS, where 27.6% take multivitamins frequently. One-third of the participants agreed that nutritional supplements are necessary to control diabetes symptoms and complications. Around 41.1% of the participants complained about hypoglycemia and used DS to control their blood sugar levels (56.4%), while the rest used it to improve their health (35.5%) and control their diet (2.2%). The predictors of DS usage were the patient’s level of education [OR=3.9, CI=1.5-10, p=0.003), self-monitoring of blood sugars (OR=4.9, CI=1.68-14.6; p=0.004) and reading the nutrition label [OR=59.3, CI=6.3-55.8, p=0.000]. Conclusion This study estimated the prevalence of DS use and abuse, among persons with diabetes type II and found three significant predictors of DS use among patients with T2DM. Public health experts should encourage healthy discussions and awareness with their patients to comprehend their views regarding DS use.

Approaching the gateway to doping hypothesis through personality analysis

The relation between dark personality traits and fraudulent behaviour like doping in sports is empirically well established. However, the factors that lead athletes to start using illegal substances are less known. The gateway to doping hypothesis posits that widespread dietary supplement usage among athletes could potentially desensitise them, increasing the inclination towards doping use. To examine this hypothesis, the personality structure of athletes using dietary supplements for diverse motives is examined, aiming to identify patterns indicative of doping propensity, including dark traits, perfectionism, ego and task orientation and attitude towards doping. The final sample comprises 687 athletes (479 women; mean age = 26.06 ± 9.21 years). The findings suggest that the overall use and frequency of dietary supplement intake are not significantly predicted by personality traits indicative of a predisposition towards doping. While athletes that use supplements to enhance performance, regeneration, and body shape display a slightly more favourable attitude towards doping, dark traits exhibit an inverse link across all motives (except body shape enhancement) with substantial effect sizes. Although doping usage is not assessed in this study, the outcomes indicate that personality structures associated with doping do not predict dietary supplement use, thus challenging the gateway to doping hypothesis.

Longitudinal changes in adverse effects reporting in multiple dietary supplement classifications: The US military dietary supplement use study

Over 70% of United States military service members (SMs) regularly use dietary supplements (DSs) and about 18% have reported adverse effects (AEs) associated with use. This investigation examined longitudinal changes in AEs reporting among DS users. On two separate occasions 1.3 ± 0.2 years apart (mean ± standard deviation), 5778 SMs completed identical questionnaires on DS use and associated AEs. Among SMs reporting DS use ≥1 time/week, ≥1 AE was reported by 19% and 15% in the baseline and follow-up phases, respectively. The risk of reporting DS use at follow-up was similar among those reporting and not reporting AEs at baseline for most DS categories including prohormones, proteins/amino acids, individual vitamins and minerals, multivitamin/multiminerals, herbals, fish oils, joint health products, and other DSs. An exception was combination products where those reporting AEs at baseline had an increased risk of use at follow-up (risk ratio = 1.13, 95% confidence interval = 1.06–1.09). Those reporting AEs at baseline and continuing DS use in the follow-up were more likely to report AEs at follow-up compared to those not reporting baseline AEs. In conclusion, AEs reported at baseline did not deter many participants from using DSs in the follow-up period, and many SMs reporting AEs at baseline continued reporting them at follow-up.

Determinants and Prevalence of Depression Among Dietary Supplement Users in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Dietary supplements (DSs) are used by a large number of people globally. It is widely believed that DSs can improve health, prevent diseases, and replenish vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies. We aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with DS use among the Saudi population and the association between DS consumption and depressive symptoms. Research methodology: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. The questionnaire was distributed through an online mode among adult Saudis (18 years or older) living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.The survey included four parts: socio-demographic characteristics, participants' health, lifestyle, and activity, vitamin and mineral supplement use, and a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) as a valid and reliable diagnostic tool for depression. Result: Of the 1309 respondents, 1173 were enrolled. The mean age of the participants was 26.3 ± 8.8 (range, 18-24) years, and approximately 14.7% exhibited psychological anxiety while 8.4% experienced psychological depression. The prevalence of DS use among Saudis was found to be relatively high (52.2%). The most commonly used DS was vitamin D (43%). DSs improved depressive symptoms in 49.4% of the participants. Conclusion: The prevalence of DS use is high among the Saudi population, and vitamin D is the most common DS. The use of multivitamins and minerals, especially iron, is associated with improved depressive symptoms; however, further studies are needed to understand the relationship between DS use and depressive symptoms.

Trends and types of dietary supplement usage amongst people visiting fitness centers in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia

Purpose: To determine the trends in dietary supplement (DS) usage and its socio-demographic determinants amongst fitness centre users in Arar, Saudi Arabia. &#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among people visiting different fitness centers in Arar, Saudi Arabia, between December 2022 and March 2023. The sample comprised 150 people (male and female) aged ≥ 18 years, who completed a self-administered questionnaire. &#x0D; Results: More than half (63.3 %) of the gym users regularly used DS, while the rest used DS occasionally. Young age (p &lt; 0.001), female gender (p = 0.04), higher educational level (p = 0.006), single status (p = 0.001) and schooling (p &lt; 0.001) had significant positive correlations with regular DS use, relative to occasional use. The most important reason for using DS was recommendation by physician (30.7 %), while the most common supplements used were multivitamins (alone or in combination with other drugs; 39.3 %). The participants were well-versed in the supportive role of DS, as well as the risks and adverse effects related to DS overuse. &#x0D; Conclusion: The prevalence of DS usage is high among Saudi fitness center attendees, and it was significantly associated with socio-demographic and lifestyle variables. Furthermore, there are high levels of awareness among participants regarding the benefits and negative effects of DS.

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS REGARDING DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AMONG MEDICAL AND PHARMACY STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY Authors

Introduction: According to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), dietary supplements (DS) are products taken by mouth that contain a “dietary ingredient.” Such dietary ingredients include minerals, vitamins, herbs or botanicals, amino acids as well as other substances used to supplement the diet. This study aims to determine the prevalence of usage and Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of dietary supplements among medical and pharmacy students at the University of Cyberjaya, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study is done among 332 undergraduate medical and pharmacy students studying at the University of Cyberjaya, regardless of age and gender. Results: It was found that 39.4% of medical students and 28.7% of pharmacy students consume dietary supplements. Among the dietary supplement users, 44.3% consume dietary supplements to improve health meanwhile 34.6% to avoid dietary deficiency. 46.3% of medical students and 52.5% of pharmacy students who consume dietary supplements think the use of dietary supplements is not always safe (p&lt;0.001) meanwhile 71.4% of medical students and 73.3% of pharmacy students think that taking a drug, food or drinks with the dietary supplements might interact with each other. It was found that 44.2% of medical students always look for professional medical help when taking dietary supplements meanwhile 57.4% of pharmacy students do not. Conclusion: This study only shows the prevalence of dietary supplement consumption among medical and pharmacy students

A Systemic Review on Nutraceutical Supplements used in the Management of Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease. It basically impairs the structural integrity of articulate cartilage and imbalances the catabolic and anabolic signals in the joint. A degenerative disease is characterized by swelling, pain, and joint stiffness. The treatment and management of osteoarthritis are based on analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents, whereas the exact cause of OA is not known yet. The negative effects of synthetic medications have led to a daily rise in the usage of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements. Clinicians are aware of these treatments, and they also recommend nutraceuticals in addition to the currently preferred therapy. Many in-vitro and in-vivo experiments have been performed in past years to evaluate the function of these on osteoarthritis. The collection of articles was published on search engines like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and ScienceDirect. The evaluation covers every potential nutraceutical utilized in osteoarthritis, together with its supporting data and mode of action. The present review discusses nutraceuticals, including devil's claw, vitamin D, boswellic acid, capsaicin, ginger, curcumin, krill oil, ginger, and avocado/soybean unsaponifiable.

Evaluating knowledge, habits, and beliefs regarding dietary supplements as a protective measure against COVID-19 in Malaysia and Iraq: A postsecond wave cross-sectional analysis.

The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought to the forefront various public health approaches, including the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) as a protective measure. With misinformation regarding the virus and the associated benefits of DS prevalent, this study aimed to understand knowledge, habits, and beliefs related to DS usage as a protective measure during the pandemic in Malaysia and Iraq, two countries with deep-rooted traditions in herbal and supplement usage. A cross-sectional research study was conducted between September 2021 and March 2022 using a validated online survey. The participants included Malaysians and Iraqis aged 18 years and above who currently consume DS. Using the SurveyMonkey® platform, data were collected from 2425 respondents (response rate = 60.6%), with analysis carried out using SPSS version 28. Demographically, the sample had an almost equal distribution of Malaysians (51%) and Iraqis (49%), with a mean age of 30.61. The majority had tertiary education (78.6%), and only a fraction had been infected with COVID-19 (26.2%). Concerning knowledge, a significant portion exhibited poor understanding (84.2%) of DS's functioning and implications. Regarding habits, many respondents consumed multivitamins (75.2%), with influence largely coming from peers (23.5%) and product leaflets (46.7%). Belief-wise, about half (49.2%) utilized herbal or supplemental products as a protective measure during the pandemic, with vitamin C with zinc being the most commonly used (45.4%). The study underlines a significant inclination towards DS usage in Malaysia and Iraq, influenced by societal connections and available information. While many believe in the protective capacities of DS against COVID-19, a substantial knowledge gap persists. It emphasizes the need for evidence-based awareness campaigns and policies to guide public health decisions.

Association between household income levels and nutritional intake of allergic children under 6 years of age in Korea: 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and application of machine learning.

This study investigated the prevalence of allergic diseases in Korean children aged 6 and below, focusing on the interplay between nutritional status, household income levels, and allergic disease occurrence. This study used data from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationwide comprehensive survey, and included a representative sample of 30,382 children under the age of 6 to investigate in detail the relationship between allergic diseases, nutritional intake, and socioeconomic factors. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with allergic diseases, including gender, BMI, eating habits, dietary supplement intake, and nutrient consumption. To predict childhood asthma, 14 machine learning models were compared using the 'pycaret' package in Python. We discerned that 24.7% were diagnosed with allergic conditions like atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Notably, household income exhibited a significant influence, with the lowest income quartile exhibiting higher prevalence rates of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and multiple allergic diseases. In contrast, the highest income quartile displayed lower rates of allergic rhinitis. Children diagnosed with allergic diseases demonstrated compromised intake of essential nutrients such as energy, dietary fiber, vitamin B1, sodium, potassium, and iron. Particularly noteworthy were the deficits in dietary fiber, vitamin A, niacin, and potassium intake among children aged 3-5 with allergies. Logistic regression analysis further elucidated that within low-income families, female children with higher BMIs, frequent dining out, dietary supplement usage, and altered consumption of vitamin B1 and iron faced an elevated risk of allergic disease diagnosis. Additionally, machine learning analysis pinpointed influential predictors for childhood asthma, encompassing BMI, household income, subjective health perception, height, and dietary habits. Our findings underscore the pronounced impact of income levels on the intricate nexus between allergic diseases and nutritional status. Furthermore, our machine learning insights illuminate the multifaceted determinants of childhood asthma, where physiological traits, socioeconomic circumstances, environmental factors, and dietary choices intertwine to shape disease prevalence. This study emphasizes the urgency of tailored nutritional interventions, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, while also underscoring the necessity for comprehensive longitudinal investigations to unravel the intricate relationship between allergic diseases, nutritional factors, and socioeconomic strata.

Dietary supplement use among medical students at the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and assess the awareness and attitude regarding dietary supplement usage among medical students and interns of Tabuk University and to explore the associations between dietary supplement usage and the participants&amp;apos; gender, age, and academic year. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among male and female medical students and interns aged 18 years and above at the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, from June to the end of July, 2021. Data were obtained from the study participants through an online, self-administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of dietary supplement usage among the participants was 50%. There were no significant associations between nutritional supplement use and the gender, age, or academic level of the study group (all p-values &amp;gt; 0.05.). Common reasons for using dietary supplements were promoting general health (30.9%) and nutritional deficiencies (29.3%). The described adverse effects of dietary supplements comprised sleeplessness, heart palpitations, seizure, and shortness of breath (12.5%, 10.3%, 4.4%, and 2.1%, respectively), and a more significant number (70.7%) reported other harmful effects. Higher percentage of the participants thought that using dietary supplements is good for their health (80.7%) and necessary for food metabolism (78.7%). Conclusions: There was a relatively high prevalence of dietary supplement use among medical students and interns at the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The medical students and interns had a positive attitude towards using dietary supplements. However, the self-reported knowledge about the dosage, side effects, and interactions with concomitantly used drugs was limited.

Fish oil users of Greece: reasons, appropriate use and perceived results regarding dietary supplement use

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore differences regarding the reasons, appropriate use, and perceived results relating to dietary supplement (DS) use between DS users who have used fish oils (FO) among other DS (DS + FO) and DS users who have used DS other than FO (DS − FO). Using a stratified random sampling technique, throughout 2018–2019, data was collected via in-person questionnaires. Having used any DS at least once, one was deemed a DS user, defined as “DS + FO” or “DS − FO” if FO were present or absent among the reported DS, respectively. The final sample consisted of 15,608 DS users. Independence between DS use status and categorical outcome variables was determined via Pearson’s chi-square test. Regarding DS users, 48.3 and 32.1% were medically supervised before and during DS use, respectively, with more DS + FO self-assessing themselves during, e.g., blood tests (21.6 vs. 17.1%). More DS + FO used DS systematically for > 1 month (42.9 vs. 30.8%) and selected more reasons for DS use (≥ 3; 47.6 vs. 25.4%). Most DS users experienced no negative outcomes from DS use (73.0%), but at least one positive outcome (95.8%), with DS + FO selecting a higher number of the latter (≥ 2; 55.7 vs. 38.0%). More DS + FO believed that a balanced diet (without DS) could not ensure their desired results (25.5 vs. 20.1%) but displayed a higher prevalence of recommended dietary allowance adherence (82.1 vs. 78.5%) and knowledge of the dangers of DS overuse (53.6 vs. 48.4%). Our study reveals significant differences between DS + FO and DS − FO with regard to their consumer stance and behavior towards DS.

Prevalence, knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards dietary supplements among Bahraini adults: a cross-sectional study

The usage of dietary supplements (DS) is a global trend that is likely influenced by sociodemographic variables and body weight status. Some individuals utilize supplements in the hopes that they may enhance their health and prevent illness. Main objective of this study is to assess knowledge and awareness about using DS among Bahraini adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted using snowball sampling method, in which an electronic self-administrative questionnaire was used to collect information from 582 eligible participants. Data about socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward using DS was collected from each participant. Prevalence of DS use was high (59.3%) and most of users were females. Most DS users (87.5%) thought that DS are safe (P < 0.001). The DS users were significantly more likely than non-users to believe that DS can prevent and treat chronic and communicable diseases, as well as the DS having side effects (P < 0.05). The most frequently consumed DS were vitamin D (29.5%) and vitamin C (26.4%). The main purpose of using DS among the DS users was to treat nutrient deficiency and around 60% of them used DS based on physician’s prescription. In conclusion, the using of DS was highly prevalent among younger adult females with normal body weight. The findings of this study emphasize the need for implementing public educational programs about safe and proper use of DS.Graphical

Usage and Trends of Dietary Supplements in Ultra-Long Distance Endurance Events in China

This research investigates the usage and trends of dietary supplements in ultra-long distance endurance events in China. Ultra-endurance events, characterized by their extraordinary physical demands, present unique challenges to participants. Dietary supplements have gained popularity among athletes as a means to enhance performance and support recovery during these grueling events. However, their usage has implications for both performance and health. This study delves into the landscape of dietary supplementation in ultra-endurance events, examining its historical development, common supplement types, and the motivations behind their usage. Trends in supplement usage are analyzed, considering factors like age, gender, and event type. Furthermore, the study explores how cultural and regional factors influence supplement choices. The implications of dietary supplement usage on participants’ health and performance are discussed, highlighting potential risks and benefits. Recommendations for safe and effective supplementation are provided. By shedding light on these aspects, this research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of dietary supplement practices in the context of ultra-long distance endurance events in China.

Prevalence, attitudes, and practices of dietary supplements among middle-aged and older adults in Asir region, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

The objectives of this study were to 1) identify the prevalence of dietary supplements (DS) among middle-aged and older adults; 2) determine attitudes toward DS and patterns of DS usage among middle-aged and older adults; and 3) assess the association of sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors with DS attitudes and DS usage. A cross-sectional online survey was undertaken among middle-aged and older adults. Data were collected by an online self-administered pretested questionnaire used as a study tool and distributed to respondents via social media applications. The DS usage prevalence among 501 respondents was 50.7%, and 53.5% of participants reported a positive attitude toward DS. The positive attitudes and higher usage of dietary supplements were statistically significant in higher proportions among older adults compared to middle-aged individuals. Significantly lower proportion of middle aged (54.9%) reported taking DS daily compared to 59.9% of older adults. A significant difference in the type of DS among the two groups was found for Omega-3 (p<0.001), minerals (p = 0.004), proteins (p = 0.002), fibers (p = 0.002), phytonutrients (p = 0.007), and probiotics (p = 0.015), with a higher proportion of middle-aged respondents reporting their use compared to older adults. Dietary supplement usage is a prevalent phenomenon among older adults and the middle-aged population. However, some undesirable practices regarding their use still exist in the community. Thus, there is a need of focussed health education to enhance attitudes and improve practices regarding the use of DS.