Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Use Among College Athletes

Objective:The study was aimed at determining the characteristics and lifestyle choices of dietary supplement users and to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice related to dietary supplements in the health sciences students versus other individuals in Saudi Arabia.Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based study was conducted on 351 participants (138 were health sciences students and 203 were not). The results were documented and analyzed using SPSS- version 22.Results:More than half of the participants consumed dietary supplements, 53.6% of the health sciences students versus 56.3% of the other individuals. Multivitamins were the most commonly used supplement in all participants (49%). Both groups believed that people might need dietary supplements more during specific times as pregnancy or recovery from diseases, with higher percentage in health sciences students than other people (43% versus 38%). Most of the students were somewhat aware about the facts concerning dietary supplements compared to others. Significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) was found concerning opinion and beliefs related to dietary supplements between the two groups. However, the health sciences students were not highly knowledgeable about the facts regarding supplements.Conclusion:The users of dietary supplements tend to incorporate these products into their lifestyles as part of a broader focus on healthy living. Many of health sciences students do not have accurate information about dietary supplements. It is important to strengthen the health science curriculum concerning this topic, with the aim of producing better-informed future professionals.

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“…Similar prevalence was reported in the United States university students with the rate varying from 47% to 74%. [ 19 36 ]…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding dietary supplements in Saudi Arabia

Alowais

Selim

2019

J Family Med Prim Care

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“…The large difference between these rates may be because of the generic nature of the term dietary supplement. According to Driskell et al, 35 women are more likely than men to take calcium and/or iron supplements, whereas the rate of reported vitamin and mineral supplementation was similar for men (55%) and women (59%). The higher rate of reported food restriction among female athletes in this study is in agreement with the findings of Field et al, 6 who examined supplement behaviors among 10,449 boys and girls, concluding that the girls were more concerned with reducing body weight, whereas the boys were more interested in size and muscle related to obtaining a better physique.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%