title: Consumption and reasons for use of dietary supplements in an Australian university population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to examine the association between dietary supplement use and sociodemographic factors in an Australian university population. Additionally, reasons for use of specific dietary supplements were explored.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional online questionnaire was completed by 1633 students and staff members of Griffith University, Queensland, Australia (76% female). The questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, use of dietary supplements, and reasons for use of each dietary supplement reported. Multiple regression analyses were used to describe the relationship between demographic factors and dietary supplement use. Pearson χ(2) was used to identify correlations between frequency of dietary supplement use and selected demographic factors. Frequency distributions were used to explore the reasons for use of each dietary supplement reported.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vitamin or mineral use and use of "other" dietary supplements was reported by 69% and 63% of participants, respectively. Age, sex, ethnicity, and physical activity were independently associated with dietary supplement use. Age, sex, and income were associated with acute use of specific dietary supplements during illness or injury. The reasons for use of specific dietary supplements were closely aligned with marketed claims. Broad reasons of health were commonly reported for use of most dietary supplements.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of dietary supplements in this population reflects that of other countries. Individuals were unsure of the benefits and risks associated with dietary supplementation. Health professionals should account for dietary supplements when assessing diet. These results also warrant consideration by regulating bodies and public health officers to ensure safe practices.
authors.affiliation: School of Allied Health Sciences and Menzies Health Institute QLD, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: Kate.barnes2@griffithuni.edu.au.
authors.forename: Katelyn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.affiliation: School of Allied Health Sciences and Menzies Health Institute QLD, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ball
authors.affiliation: School of Allied Health Sciences and Menzies Health Institute QLD, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Desbrow
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine and Menzies Health Institute QLD, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Naser
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Alsharairi
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine and Menzies Health Institute QLD, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Faruk
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ahmed
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019049:Developed Countries; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011793:Queensland; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D014495:Universities; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D000078329:Workforce; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005395:Fish Oils; D014131:Trace Elements; D014815:Vitamins
keywords: Australia; Dietary supplement; Use; Vitamins