Factors associated with dietary supplement use in Saudi pregnant women

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim was to investigate the prevalence of dietary supplement use among pregnant Saudi women and its associations between various demographics.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 137 pregnant women attending prenatal care from King Salman Hospital completed a self-administered questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics, general awareness, attitude and behavior towards use of dietary supplements during pregnancy.ResultsDietary supplement use among Saudi women in pregnancy was high (71.5%) and was significantly associated with level of education (p = 0.005), family income (p = 0.039) and number of children (p = 0.007). No significant association was observed between neonatal health outcomes and dietary supplement use during pregnancy. In all participants, 81.6% believed that supplement use is important for nutritional status and more favorable neonatal outcomes. For the majority of participants, the primary source of information for dietary supplement use was a doctor’s advice. The majority of the participants [65.7% (n = 90)] responded that dietary supplement use is safe. Folic acid was found to be the most common type of dietary supplement used (95.9%; n = 94); however, 53.1% (n = 52) did not take folic acid supplements 3 months prior to pregnancy. Other common supplements used were iron, calcium and vitamin D (88.8, 81.6, and 41%, respectively).ConclusionsThis study provided new information on dietary supplement use and its correlates in Saudi pregnant women. The prevalence of dietary supplement use was high in this group and was associated with socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics.

Dietary supplement use among undergraduate male students in health and non-health cluster colleges of a public-sector university in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

“…Naqvi and colleagues reported a prevalence of dietary supplement use at 51% in male undergraduate pharmacy students of Pakistani universities [ 1 ]. Our finding was much lower than figures reported from American, Nigerian and South African university students [ 1 , 14 , 24 , 25 ]. However, it was higher than that reported in Japanese students [ 26 ].…”

“…Hence, its prevalent use could be due to the stress and anxiety among health track students. Use of omega 3 fatty acids has been reported from other colleges in Saudi Arabia as well [ 14 ]. However, we could not conclude that high academic stress, depression and anxiety was the reason behind prevalent use of omega 3 FA in our sample.…”

“…Asia Pacific region has emerged as the second largest market for dietary supplements after US and Canada [ 12 ]. Saudi Arabia is the biggest market for dietary supplements in the Middle East region as DS accounts for 4% of total pharmaceuticals sold in the country with an estimated worth of USD 2 billion [ 13 , 14 ].…”

“…Although, a few studies reported that the use of supplements had increased in general population as well as undergraduate students of Saudi Arabia. However, the findings were limited to prevalence data [ 14 , 16 ]. There is a scarcity of data that reports common supplements used by Saudi students.…”

Neonatal Risks of Vitamin D and Iodin Supplementations during Pregnancy

“…In Finland, where consumption is increased in the event of a "pejorative" event for pregnancy (pathological serum markers, tobacco consumption) the DS would be represented as a remedy that could combat these derogatory events. In Sweden and Germany, overweight [23].…”