Practices, Attitudes, and Beliefs Regarding Dietary Supplements Among Florida's Dietitians and Nurses

Abstract

This study investigated the practices, attitudes, and beliefs of Florida's nurses and dietitians regarding dietary supplements (DS). Eighty-nine dietitians and 64 nurses responded to a self-reported online survey about nutrient-based supplements, defined as nutrients taken to supplement the diet for enhancing health, and herbal supplements, defined as plants used for enhancing health rather than food seasoning. Personal use of nutrient-based supplements for treatment of a health condition was higher among nurses (67%) than dietitians (42%) (p <. 05). However, dietitians recommended nutrient-based supplements more often than nurses (p <. 05). Both groups used fewer herbal than nutrient-based supplements (p <. 001). More nurses than dietitians believed herbal supplements to be effective (p <. 05). Practice trends regarding DS identified among Florida's dietitians and nurses can be a reference for states and countries in which the number of older adults is growing.

Evaluation of dietary supplement, functional food and herbal medicine use by dietitians during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Similarly, a study conducted by Lederman et al on healthcare professionals in the USA found that 66 % of the dietitians used dietary supplements to protect their health, 42 % to treat diseases and 19 % to enhance physical and mental performance (25) . The small-sample (n 95) study conducted on dietitians in the Netherlands found that 38 % of the participants frequently used dietary supplements to protect the health, 22 % to treat diseases and 13 % to enhance physical and mental performance.…”

“…The reasons for using dietary supplements were found to be maintaining bone health (58%), improving overall health, leading a healthy life (53%), and eliminating nutrient deficiencies (42%) due to malnutrition (23) . Similarly, a study conducted by Lederman et al on healthcare professionals in the United States found that 66% of the dietitians used dietary supplements to protect their health, 42% to treat diseases, and 19% to enhance physical and mental performance (25) . The small-sample (n=95) study conducted on dietitians in the Netherlands found that 38% of the participants frequently used dietary supplements to protect the health, 22% to treat diseases, and 13% to enhance physical and mental performance.…”

“…It was observed that the use of herbal medicines by dietitians was lower compared with that of dietary supplements and functional foods (19,23,25,26,31,32) . In a study conducted on dietitians in the USA, only 19 % of dietitians stated that they used herbal medicines.…”

“…The tendency towards the use of dietary supplements compared to functional foods increases even more during pandemics to boost the immune system and to eliminate nutrient deficiencies. Many studies have been conducted in different countries to evaluate the use of dietary supplements by dietitians and their attitudes (22)(23)(24)(25)(26) . In a study conducted in California, USA, it was observed that the rate of dietary supplement use by dietitians was 69%, and the most commonly used dietary supplements were calcium, multivitamins, vitamin E, and C and iron, respectively.…”

“…The reasons for using herbal medicines included enhancing the immune system, treating menopause, improving memory, and prostate health (22) . In a small-sample (n = 89) study conducted in Florida, the findings showed that 28% of dietitians used herbal medicines to protect the health, 32% to treat diseases, and 16% to increase physical and mental performance (25) . Another study found that less than half (42%) of dietitians used herbal medicines (31) .…”