Abstract

BOTELHO, Goreti; MELO, Ana Rita  and  AGUIAR, Marco. Consumption of Dietary Supplements Among Undergraduate Students: Perceived Knowledge and Usage. Nutrícias [online]. 2013, n.18, pp.14-17. ISSN 2182-7230.

Introduction: The use of dietary supplements in European countries has been increasing due to the growing interest in nutrition and health concerns. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and dietary supplements consumption pattern of undergraduate students. Methodology: The data collection was performed through a self-administered questionnaire to 505 undergraduate students, mean age: 22.2±6.3 years, 65.0% females and 35.0% males. Results: The questions concerning the knowledge on dietary supplements showed that almost every student knew or had heard about dietary supplements (94.1%). Despite this high percentage, only half of those students had taken supplements and females revealed to consume more dietary supplements. The main reasons to consume the dietary supplements were different between genders, being the proximity of exams for females and medical reasons/proximity to sport events for males. The categories most recognised by students were vitamins followed by products to enhance academic performance. Pills and capsules were the most known supplement forms, being pills and liquid ampoules the most used product forms. Conclusions: The knowledge and pattern of dietary supplements consumption of undergraduate students was determined and revealed differences between genders. Some students revealed misunderstanding about medicines and supplements that they consumed. Future public health monitoring and nutrition intervention about dietary supplementation among undergraduate population is needed.

Keywords : Undergraduate students; Questionnaire; Dietary supplements; Consumption pattern.

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