Exploratory survey about dietary supplement use: a hazardous and erratic way to improve one’s health?

• DOI: 10.4414/smw.2013.13807
• Publication Date: 2014-07-03T14:27:23Z
• Authors: DS Troxler; PA Michaud; B Graz; PY Rodondi
• Keywords: Exploratory research; Consumption; Risk Perception

INTRODUCTION: Dietary supplement (DS) use increased rapidly in recent years. However, evidence of benefits many DSs for healthy users is scarce and may not equate with known risks overdose, drug interaction recently discovered negative long-term effects. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the perceptions motivations DS Lausanne, Switzerland. METHOD: A convenience sample (n = 147) was recruited at entrances local sales points. Data were collected on-site semistructured interviews that assessed dietary supplementation habits. RESULTS: The majority all-in-one products, containing a mixture minerals vitamins, or products only minerals. Among 147 users, 72 (49%) used one product 3 (2%) two products. Thirty-one (21%) consumers did know least what purpose their was. Seventy-five percent participants thought presents no risk nearly risk. Only 49% stated physicians informed about consumption. Although men searched more often potential (p <0.001), they turned less frequently health professionals get this information 0.007). DISCUSSION: As other surveys performed elsewhere, our shows that, Lausanne (Switzerland), are commonly as mixed Risk perception seems generally low among users. Physicians should be trained evaluate patients’ perceived needs consumption order provide good evidence-based propose alternatives use.