Dietary supplement usage among elementary school children in Taiwan: their school performance and emotional status.
Dietary supplement consumption practices among 2417 children (1295 boys and 1122 girls) aged 6 to 12 years in Taiwan were derived from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan Elementary School Children (NAHSIT 2001-2002). The proportion (22%) of boys and girls using supplements was equivalent. Some 77% of the child supplement takers took only one type of supplement. The top five supplements consumed were: multivitamins and minerals, calcium, vitamin C, cod-liver oil and bee propolis in that order. Children in the most urbanized southern Taiwan had the highest usage (33%), but prevalence was lowest in the mountainous areas (5%). Higher parental education level and household monthly income were associated with higher intakes. Supplement users were more competent at school; however, the frequency and number of supplement types were not related to competence.
Chen
Shih-Ying
SY
Department of Health and Nutrition, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Jen-Te Hsiang, Tainan Hsien, Taiwan, ROC. shihying@mail.chna.edu.tw
Lin
Jia-Rong
JR
Kao
Mei-Ding
MD
Hang
Chi-Ming
CM
Cheng
Lieyueh
L
Pan
Wen-Harn
WH
D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D003710:Demography; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D013624:Taiwan; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D005395:Fish Oils; D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins