J Nutr Health.  2015 Aug;48(4):352-363. 10.4163/jnh.2015.48.4.352.

Use of vitamin and mineral supplements and related variables among university students in Seoul

• Choi JH
• Je Y

• KMID: 2209902
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2015.48.4.352

Abstract

PURPOSE
Despite the popularity of dietary supplements, little data are available on their use by university students. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of vitamin mineral supplements and to identify factors related to supplement use among university students.
METHODS
University students (N = 345) in Seoul were surveyed. Survey questions included descriptive demographics, types of vitamin and mineral supplements used, health related lifestyle factors, mini dietary assessment, and knowledge and behaviors related to supplement use.
RESULTS
Of university students surveyed, 41% consumed vitamin and mineral supplements. Among the supplement users, multivitamins were the most commonly used dietary supplements (68.6%), followed by vitamin C (31.4%) and calcium (17.1%). In particular, the use of vitamin C and iron supplements was more common in females than males (p < 0.05). For the number of supplements taken daily, 32.1% of supplement users consumed 2 or more supplements; 20% of supplement users had almost no knowledge of the supplements being taken. Based on the results of multivariable logistic regression analysis, supplement use was associated with higher interest in their own health, non-smoker, and supplement use by family (p < 0.05). In addition, supplement use was slightly associated with healthy dietary behavior such as consuming a variety of foods (p = 0.05) and current disease status (p = 0.05).
CONCLUSION
University students with relatively healthy lifestyles appear to take vitamin and mineral supplements, but they had little knowledge of the supplements. Given high prevalence of dietary supplement use among university students, nutrition education regarding supplement use is needed.

Keyword

vitamins; minerals; dietary supplements; health behavior; university student

MeSH Terms

Ascorbic Acid
Calcium
Demography
Dietary Supplements
Education
Female
Health Behavior
Humans
Iron
Life Style
Logistic Models
Male
Minerals
Prevalence
Seoul*
Vitamins*
Ascorbic Acid
Calcium
Iron
Minerals
Vitamins

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