Asian Journal of Research in Nursing and Health

Utilization of Dietary Supplements among University Students: A Review

Miller, Marian Cudjoe *

Department of Public Health and Nutrition, Livingstone International University of Tourism Excellence and Business Management, Lusaka, Zambia.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Objective: Students need a healthy, balanced diet to keep up with their rigorous schedules, and deficiencies or excesses in some vitamins may have serious consequences. This study seeks to look at the utilization of dietary supplements among university students.

Methods: The reviewed studies adopted a cross-sectional study design. A systematic review was carried out with the aid of online research journals as well as other in-context articles. The study criteria was university students. While conducting this study, the keywords in the search query were directed towards the utilization of dietary supplements among university students.

Results: Health and wellness was the most common reason for utilizing dietary supplements (DS), according to Vidovi'c and colleagues. Students majoring in different sciences use dietary supplements for immune system support (39.1%), energy boost (20.1%), muscle development (18.5%), skin health improvement (17.3%), and memory enhancement (14.6%). 23% (n = 32) of Pillay and Pillay's participants used dietary supplements, whereas 77% (n = 107) did not. More women (20.9%; n = 29) than men (2.2%) reported using supplements (p = 0.018). Over 60% of Aina and Ojedokun's participants felt that dietary supplements may substitute food nutrients.

Conclusion: In this research, students used DS often; this may be because most were pursuing the medical sciences. Supplement users report improved memory, attentiveness, and vigor. Dietary supplements may aid students with poor eating habits. Most students' primary care doctors were unaware of their use of nutritional supplements, and many lacked proper information regarding possible harmful effects. Health care practitioners should ask patients about dietary supplements to reduce side effects and drug interactions.

Keywords: Dietary, supplements, university, students, utilization

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