Influencing Factors in Dietary Supplement Consumption among University Students

Abstract

<jats:p>In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in consuming dietary supplements which believed to promote a healthy lifestyle among generations. However, lack of knowledge and peer pressure can be the problems despite its long success. Thus, the aim of this study is twofold; i) to assess the sociodemographic information among the students on taking dietary supplements and ii) to examine the influencing factors that lead to dietary supplements consumption among undergraduate students in Selangor, Malaysia. Findings explained through equal distribution of survey between faculties, a majority of female students (72.5%) participated in this study compared to male students (27.5%) with both genders are in a good health condition (60.6%) and having normal BMI reading (65.3%). All the factors such as the perception of knowledge (r = 0.387), lifestyle behaviour (r = 0.541) and efficacy of the supplements (r = 0.548) indicate a moderate positive relationship towards dietary consumption in their daily life, respectively. More health educational talks need to be conducted in future to increase knowledge among university students. Future recommendations are drawn through the suggestion of reassessing other factors that lead to the DS consumption through qualitative method analysis.</jats:p>

Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) on Selected Dietary Supplements (Barley Grass, Wheatgrass and Chlorella vulgaris powders)

“…However, some healthcare professionals must possess the knowledge and experience of the three selected DS. They could not consult or advise consumers on the usage and benefits of these products (7). This leads to consumers needing more confidence to approach healthcare professionals for further clarification.…”

“…Besides, 75% of individuals in developing countries take one or more DS (6). In European countries, the DS intake prevalence was higher in northern than in the southern countries (7). Meanwhile, South Korea showed a high demand for taking DS, where 60% of people was higher than in other countries (7), whereas, in Malaysia, 25% of adults consumed DS (8).…”

The Reason for Vitamin-Mineral Supplement Intake Among Secondary School Adolescents in Malaysia and Its Association With Nutritional Status and Dietary Practice

“…Besides, a recent research study among university students in Jordan revealed that the body mass index (BMI) and dietary supplements showed a significant direct association, whereby students with higher BMI was likely to consume dietary supplement (Elsahoryi et al, 2023). In contrast, some studies found that adults with normal BMI consumed significantly more dietary supplements (Aziz et al, 2020;Mohd Ashri et al, 2021;Žeželj et al, 2018). Nevertheless, there is also a study that claimed that lower BMI was associated with dietary supplement intake (Jeon et al, 2021).…”