PATTERNS OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENT CONSUMPTION AMONG THE STUDENTS OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Dietary supplement term includes everything from individual nutrients — vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K and minerals like calcium — to multivitamins and specialized "senior" formulas that contain various combinations of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and other compounds. Dietary supplements can be beneficial to the health, but they can also involve health risks. Side effects from dietary supplements happen most often if people take high doses or use them instead of medicines prescribed by their health care provider. Taking many different supplements can increase the risk of side effects and drug interactions. The aim of the study was to analyze the patterns of dietary supplement consumption among the students of biomedical sciences. The tasks: to reveal the motivations for taking dietary supplements, to detect the most popular dietary supplements, to estimate the duration of supplement consumption and perceptions of safety, to assess the beneficial and harmful effects. Conclusions: The dietary supplements were taken for maintaining good physical and academic performance, for better sports results, for faster recuperation after disease or due to disease or health condition and for weight loss or control. The most frequently used vitamins included D, C, and B, while minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium were also popular. Caffeine, protein supplements, probiotics, complex supplements for sports, and weight management products were most frequently cited by the respondents. The most common duration of taking dietary supplements was one-six months. Over half of the respondents reported using multiple supplements simultaneously, with a majority adhering to recommended doses. However, fewer than half regularly checked for the compatibility or had the recommendations from health professionals.  The majority of respondents purchase dietary supplements at pharmacies or online from certified suppliers. There is a significant lack of awareness regarding the potential health risks associated with consumption of dietary supplements among the students. The most common beneficial effects reported were enhanced immunity, gaining more energy and stamina, better academic performance. The main harmful health effects were sleep impairments, headache and obstipation.