Dietary supplement use in elementary school children: a Japanese web-based survey

Abstract Background A variety of dietary supplements are commercially available. However, the efficacy and safety of dietary supplement use in children are not well established. Understanding dietary supplement use is important for developing public health policy regarding dietary supplements. This study aimed to investigate the types of dietary supplements used and characteristics of dietary supplement users among Japanese elementary school children. Method We conducted a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire study. Dietary supplement use, socio-demographics, and health-related behaviors were assessed through mother-reported questionnaire. Types of dietary supplements were identified based on ingredient using product barcodes and brand names. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the socio-demographics and health-related behaviors associated with supplement use. Results Among 4933 children, 333 (6.8%) were identified as dietary supplement users. The most common supplement was amino acids or protein (1.4%), followed by n–3 fatty acids or fish oil (1.0%), probiotics (1.0%), multivitamins (0.9%), multivitamin-minerals (0.8%), and botanicals (0.8%). Overall, any dietary supplement use was significantly associated with the highest frequency of sports participation (odds ratio [OR], 2.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65–4.02), highest household income (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.13–3.10), highest maternal educational level (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.31–2.52), and male sex (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.09–1.75). The highest frequency of sports participation was significantly associated with higher odds of use of amino acids or protein (OR, 6.06; 95% CI, 1.78–20.6) and multivitamins (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.11–11.5), compared to the lowest frequency of sports participation. Conclusion This study showed that Japanese children primarily use non-vitamin, non-mineral supplements. Non-vitamin, non-mineral supplements should thus be included in future studies aimed at monitoring dietary supplement use. We also found that dietary supplement use in children was associated with sports participation. Guidelines for dietary supplement use for children, in particular sport participants, are needed.

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Dietary Supplement Use and Health-Related Behaviors in a Mediterranean Population

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior ◽

10.1016/j.jneb.2012.03.007 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 45 (5) ◽

pp. 386-391 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Maria-Asunción Rovira ◽

Maria Grau ◽

Olga Castañer ◽

Maria-Isabel Covas ◽

Helmut Schröder

Keyword(s):

Dietary Supplement ◽

Mediterranean Population ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Health Related Behaviors ◽

Health Related ◽

Dietary Supplement Use

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Use of dietary supplements in pregnant women in relation to sociodemographic factors – a report from The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980013000293 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 16 (8) ◽

pp. 1390-1402 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Carin Andrén Aronsson ◽

Kendra Vehik ◽

Jimin Yang ◽

Ulla Uusitalo ◽

Kristen Hay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Maternal Age ◽

Environmental Determinants ◽

Supplement Use ◽

The Usa ◽

Dietary Supplement Use ◽

Prospective Longitudinal

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and associated factors of dietary supplement use, particularly supplements containing vitamin D and fatty acids, in pregnant women enrolled in a multi-national study.DesignThe Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study is a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Maternal dietary supplement use was self-reported through questionnaires at month 3 to 4 postpartum.SettingSix clinical research centres; three in the USA (Colorado, Georgia/Florida and Washington) and three in Europe (Sweden, Finland and Germany).SubjectsMothers (n 7326) to infants screened for high-risk HLA-DQ genotypes of type 1 diabetes.ResultsNinety-two per cent of the 7326 women used one or more types of supplement during pregnancy. Vitamin D supplements were taken by 65 % of the women, with the highest proportion of users in the USA (80·5 %). Overall, 16 % of the women reported taking fatty acid supplements and a growing trend was seen in all countries between 2004 and 2010 (P < 0·0001). The use was more common in Germany (32 %) and the USA (24 %) compared with Finland (8·5 %) and Sweden (7·0 %). Being pregnant with the first child was a strong predictor for any supplement use in all countries. Low maternal age (<25 years), higher education, BMI ≥ 25·0 kg/m2 and smoking during pregnancy were factors associated with supplement use in some but not all countries.ConclusionsThe majority of the women used dietary supplements during pregnancy. The use was associated with sociodemographic and behavioural factors, such as parity, maternal age, education, BMI and maternal smoking.

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The Prevalence of Dietary Supplement Use Among Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students: A Nationwide Survey in Japan

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10091176 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1176 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Etsuko Kobayashi ◽

Chiharu Nishijima ◽

Yoko Sato ◽

Keizo Umegaki ◽

Tsuyoshi Chiba

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

High School Students ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Parental Education ◽

Junior High ◽

The Internet ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Dietary Supplement Use

The prevalence of dietary supplement use, such as vitamins, minerals, or fish oil, has increased among children in Japan; however, whether children are using dietary supplements appropriately remains unclear. This study aimed to determine dietary supplement use among children. In August 2017, a nationwide internet preliminary survey of 265,629 mothers aged from 25 to 59 years old was undertaken. Of these, 19,041 mothers of children attending either elementary school, junior high school, or high school were selected. Among them, 16.4% were currently providing their children with dietary supplements and 5.2% had previously given dietary supplements to their children. The prevalence of dietary supplement use was higher in boys than in girls, and the prevalence increased according to their grade. A total of 2439 participants were eligible to undertake a targeted survey on dietary supplement use. Dietary supplements were being taken to maintain health, supplement nutrients, and enhance growth in both boys and girls, and many children (37.5%) were provided with vitamin and mineral supplements. Mothers mainly obtained information concerning dietary supplements via the internet, and supplements were purchased in drug stores or via the internet. The prevalence of dietary supplement use in mothers was 65.4% and may be associated with the prevalence rates in children. Some mothers reported adverse events (3.6%) in their children, such as stomachache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and constipation. The cause-and-effect relationships for adverse events were not clear, but some children were given products for adults. Children are more influenced by dietary supplements compared to adults. To prevent adverse events due to inappropriate use, parental education concerning dietary supplements is essential.

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The Use of Dietary Supplements Among African and Caribbean Women Living in the UK: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12030847 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 847

Author(s):

Amanda Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye ◽

Omorogieva Ojo ◽

Gulshanara Begum

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

High Cholesterol ◽

Black African ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Caribbean Women ◽

Black Caribbean ◽

Dietary Supplement Use ◽

The Uk

Previous studies have shown that the use of dietary supplements is associated with the prevention of birth defects, negative pregnancy outcomes and cardiovascular diseases. However, there might be some ethnic disparities in supplement usage suggesting that women who could benefit from it are not frequent users. This study aimed to characterise the use of dietary supplement among Black African and Black Caribbean women living in the United Kingdom (UK). Furthermore, it evaluated possible associations between the use of dietary supplements and health and diet awareness. A total of 262 women self-ascribed as Black African and Black Caribbean living in the UK completed a comprehensive questionnaire on socio-demographic factors, diet, use of supplements and cultural factors. The main outcome variable was the regular use of any type of dietary supplement. Use of vitamin D and/or calcium was also explored. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was applied to identify predictors of regular use of dietary supplements. A total of 33.2% of women reported regular use of any dietary supplements and 16.8% reported use of vitamin D and/or calcium. There were no significant ethnic differences in the use of dietary supplements. Reporting use of the back of food packaging label (odds ratio (OR) 2.21; 95% CI 1.07–4.55); a self-rated healthy diet (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.19–6.91) and having cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension and/or high cholesterol (OR 3.81; 95% CI 1.53–9.49) increased the likelihood of using any dietary supplement. However, having poorer awareness decreased the likelihood (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.88–0.99) of using any dietary supplement. For the use of vitamin D and/or calcium supplements, the main predictor was having CVD, hypertension and/or high cholesterol (OR 4.43; 95% CI 1.90–10.35). The prevalence of dietary supplement use was low among African and Caribbean women. Thus, awareness of potential benefits of some dietary supplements (e.g., vitamin D) among the Black population should be promoted.

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Dietary Supplement Use Among Chinese Primary School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hunan Province

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16030374 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 374 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hanmei Liu ◽

Shiya Zhang ◽

Hanshuang Zou ◽

Yuanlin Pan ◽

Qiping Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary School ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hunan Province ◽

Primary School Students ◽

School Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Dietary Supplement Use

Dietary supplement use is increasing globally, especially among children. However, few studies have been conducted to examine dietary supplement use among Chinese children. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of dietary supplement use and the associated factors in primary school students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four primary schools in Hunan province, China. A total of 706 Chinese parents/caregivers of school children aged 6–12 years old were enrolled. Self-administrated questionnaires were used to collect information about the children’s dietary supplement use, and their socio-demographic characteristics. The prevalence of dietary supplement use in primary school students was 20.4%. Calcium (16.7%), vitamin C (9.2%), and vitamin D (8.5%) were the most commonly used types of dietary supplement. The main reasons for parents/caregivers to purchase dietary supplements for their children were immunity improvement (43.6%), and for growth promotion (36.5%). Some caregivers (26.4%) purchased dietary supplements online, including from dubious or unknown sellers. However, 37.5% of caregivers did not receive formal guidance on supplementation even if they purchased their supplements through formal channels. Parents/caregivers were unclear about the appropriate choices for children’s dietary supplement use. Guidelines and counseling regarding dietary supplements for children may be helpful in public health work.

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Determinants of dietary supplement use – healthy individuals use dietary supplements

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114515001440 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 113 (12) ◽

pp. 1993-2000 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Christina L. F. Kofoed ◽

Jane Christensen ◽

Lars O. Dragsted ◽

Anne Tjønneland ◽

Nina Roswall

Keyword(s):

Dietary Supplements ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Risk Index ◽

Metabolic Risk ◽

Health Index ◽

Danish Population ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Urinary Glucose ◽

Dietary Supplement Use ◽

Additional Point

The prevalence of dietary supplement use varies largely among populations, and previous studies have indicated that it is high in the Danish population compared with other European countries. The diversity in supplement use across countries indicates that cultural and environmental factors could influence the use of dietary supplements. Only few studies investigating the use of dietary supplements have been conducted in the Danish population. The present cross-sectional study is based on 54 948 Danes, aged 50–64 years, who completed self-administrated questionnaires on diet, dietary supplements and lifestyle between 1993 and 1997. A health index including smoking, physical activity, alcohol and diet, and a metabolic risk index including waist circumference, urinary glucose and measured hypertension were constructed. Logistic regression was used to investigate these determinants in relation to the intake of dietary supplements. We found that 71 % of the participants were dietary supplement users; female sex, older age groups and higher educated participants were more likely to be users of any dietary supplements. One additional point in the health index was associated with 19, 16 and 9 % higher likelihood of being user of any, more common and less common supplements, respectively. In the metabolic risk index, one additional point was associated with 17 and 16 % lower likelihood of being user of any supplement and more common supplements, respectively. No significant association was found for less common supplement use. In conclusion, those with the healthiest lifestyle were more likely to use dietary supplements. Thus, lifestyle and dietary composition should be considered as confounders on supplement use and health outcomes.

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Dietary supplement use and mortality in a cohort of Swedish men – comments by Boucher

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114508975620 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 100 (6) ◽

pp. 1345-1345

Author(s):

Barbara J. Boucher

Keyword(s):

British Journal ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Dietary Supplement Use

A recent paper published in the British Journal of Nutrition suggested possible reductions in mortality in association with the use of dietary supplements

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Dietary supplement use among dietetics students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Health SA Gesondheid ◽

10.4102/hsag.v24i0.1298 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 ◽

Author(s):

Lynelda Pillay ◽

Kirthee Pillay

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Energy Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adequate Diet ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Kwazulu Natal ◽

Dietary Supplement Use ◽

Low Prevalence

Background: A dietary supplement is a product that aims to add nutritional value to the diet. University students are known to make use of dietary supplements to improve their academic performance, increase energy levels and promote overall general health. Based on assumption, students studying towards a nutrition-related degree may eat healthily and choose not to use dietary supplements. Alternatively, because of their interest in and exposure to nutrition, they may decide to use dietary supplements. However, there is a lack of published studies investigating the prevalence of dietary supplement use and reasons for use among South African university students studying towards a nutrition-related degree.Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the use of dietary supplements by dietetics students.Setting: University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire.Results: Of the 139 participants, 23% (n = 32) used dietary supplements. There was a greater use by female students, those who lived at home and those registered for the Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics. Reasons for using dietary supplements included the following: to strengthen the immune system (62.5%), to improve energy levels (56.3%) and to enhance physical health (50%). Cost (32.7%; n = 35), an adequate diet (22.4%; n = 24) and not necessary or waste of money (15%; n = 16) were reasons for not using dietary supplements. Most students (84.4%) made use of a multivitamin and mineral supplement.Conclusion: There was a low prevalence of dietary supplement use by UKZN dietetics students, with the high cost of supplements given as the main reason for non-use.

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Dietary supplement use and mortality in a cohort of Swedish men

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114507812049 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 99 (3) ◽

pp. 626-631 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Maria Messerer ◽

Niclas Håkansson ◽

Alicja Wolk ◽

Agneta Åkesson

Keyword(s):

Dietary Supplements ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Cancer Mortality ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Supplement Use ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Dietary Supplement Use ◽

Risk Of Cancer ◽

Cvd Mortality

The use of dietary supplements has increased substantially in most industrialized countries. The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the association between use of dietary supplements and all-cause mortality, cancer mortality and CVD mortality in men. We used the population-based prospective cohort of 38 994 men from central Sweden, 45–79 years of age, with no cancer or CVD at baseline and who completed a self-administered FFQ including questions on dietary supplement use and life-style factors in 1997. During average 7.7 years of follow-up, 3403 deaths were ascertained; among them, 771 due to cancer and 930 due to CVD (during 5.9 years of follow-up). In multivariate adjusted models including all men there was no association observed between use of any dietary supplement or of multivitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E or fish oil specifically and all-cause mortality, cancer or CVD mortality. Among current smokers, regular use of any supplement was associated with statistically significant increased risk of cancer mortality: relative risk (RR) 1·46 (95 % CI 1·06, 1·99). Among men reporting an inadequate diet at baseline (assessed by Recommended Food Score), there was a statistically significant inverse association between use of any dietary supplement and CVD mortality (RR 0·72; 95 % CI 0·57, 0·91), no associations were observed among men with adequate diets. In conclusion, we cannot exclude that the use of dietary supplements is harmful for smokers. On the other hand, among men with an insufficient diet, the use of supplements might be beneficial in reducing CVD mortality.

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Prevalent Use of Dietary Supplements among People Who Exercise at a Commercial Gym

International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism ◽

10.1123/ijsnem.14.4.481 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 481-492 ◽

Cited By ~ 52

Author(s):

Laura J. Morrison ◽

Frances Gizis ◽

Barbara Shorter

Keyword(s):

Vitamin E ◽

Vitamin C ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Long Island ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Dietary Supplement Use

Supplement use was surveyed in a convenience sample of persons who exercised regularly at a Long Island, NY gym. Participants, age at least 18 y, completed anonymous questionnaires. A majority (84.7%) took supplements. Many consumed multivitamin/minerals (MVM; 45%), protein shakes/bars (PRO; 42.3%), vitamin C (34.7%), and vitamin E (VE; 23.4%) at least 5 times per wk. Other dietary supplements were used less frequently or by fewer participants. Ephedra was consumed by 28% at least once per wk. Choices and reasons for dietary supplement use varied with age of the participant. More of the oldest consumed MVM or VE, while those 45 y or younger chose PRO. Those younger than 30 consumed creatine more frequently. The oldest participants took supplements to prevent future illness, while others took supplements to build muscle. The reason for committing to an exercise program influenced supplement use. Bodybuilders more frequently consumed PRO, creatine, and ephedra compared to those exercising for health reasons.

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