Lifestyle, Eating Habits, and Health Behaviors Among Dietary Supplement Users in Three European Countries

Abstract

Dietary supplements (DS) are used by about 30–50% of adults in developed countries. However, only a few studies have compared the characteristics of DS users in different nations. This study aimed to identify and compare selected health-related behaviors of DS users from three European countries. A total of 3,588 adults (32.08 ± 8.04 years) from Poland (1,030 females, 287 males), Germany (994 females, 190 males), and the United Kingdom (911 females, 176 males) were included in the analysis. The study was based on a self-administered survey consisting of 70 questions regarding baseline characteristics, lifestyle, eating, and health habits. The associations of the obtained results were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test, Pearson Chi-Square test, and Cramer's V value. The highest percentage of DS users (56.98%, n = 2,044) had a correct body weight, while higher body weight values were observed in 39.19% (n = 1,406). In terms of lifestyle, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted for alcohol consumption and the level of physical activity. Fruit and vegetables were most often consumed a few times a weeks (34.67%, n = 1,244). A similar result was observed for the consumption of whole grain (37.76%, n = 1,355), dairy (39.99%, n = 1,435), eggs (49.67%, n = 1,782), and meat (51.45%, n = 1,846). Most DS users did not have a chronic disease (66.72%, n = 2,394). Among the other conditions, a frequent occurrence (a few times a weeks) of gastrointestinal problems (28.29%, n = 1,015) and concentration disorders (29.15%, n = 1,046) was noted. Cramer's V values (<0.3) indicated a weak (but significant p < 0.05) relationship between the country of residence and most of the analyzed variables. In conclusion, DS users were characterized by a healthy lifestyle with appropriate behaviors but not healthy eating habits.

Prevalence, Determinants, and Consumer Stance towards Dietary Supplements According to Sex in a Large Greek Sample: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Our results are in agreement with similar studies, where one can see that women are comparatively more, or mostly, interested in using DS that are directed towards their wellbeing [ 46 ] or health [ 18 , 34 , 44 , 46 ] and dealing with [ 27 , 34 , 46 , 47 , 48 ] or the prevention [ 19 ] of health issues. However, additional motives, such as “beauty” [ 44 ] or “good appearance” [ 19 ] and the “maintenance of healthy hair” [ 48 ], have been reported.…”

“…Regarding the reasons for DS use, we found that, overall, the most common motivator was the improvement of physical condition, followed by the treatment of nutrient deficiencies and the treatment and prevention of pathological conditions. Our results are in agreement with similar pre-pandemic studies, which have found the main reasons for use to be “health” [ 18 , 44 , 45 ], the improvement of “health” [ 17 , 43 ] or “well-being” [ 46 ], the prevention or treatment of nutrient deficiencies [ 19 , 34 ], or a medical necessity [ 34 ]. However, other reasons, such as stress [ 47 ] and fatigue [ 27 ], have also been reported to be the prime motivator in certain studies.…”

“…However, additional motives, such as “beauty” [ 44 ] or “good appearance” [ 19 ] and the “maintenance of healthy hair” [ 48 ], have been reported. On the other hand, men have been shown to be comparatively more frequently gravitated towards the enhancement of sports performance/exercise [ 18 , 27 , 46 , 47 ] and increased muscle mass or energy [ 34 , 44 ]. Indeed, Rontogianni et al, recently showed that it is significantly more probable for a woman to be a DS user if she has a history of chronic disease; however, such an association for men was merely suggestive [ 12 ].…”

Eating more sardines instead of fish oil supplementation: Beyond omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a matrix of nutrients with cardiovascular benefits

“…Of those adults in the United Kingdom ingesting supplements, almost half of them (45%) consume them five times or more per week (103). Women in most countries are slightly more inclined to consume supplements than men and usage increases with age in both sexes (101)(102)(103). The consumption of n-3 PUFA and cod liver oil supplements in the UK is not as wide as multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplements; however, 35% of the population regularly utilise them and their popularity increase with the age of the consumers (100).…”

“…In the United Kingdom, the 2016 Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) National Survey reported that 59% of the adult population take food supplements ( 103 ). That was a 4% rise over the previous 2 years ( 102 ), and the Coronavirus pandemic marked an even greater increase with now over 70% of United Kingdom adults utilising supplements ( 103 , 104 ).…”