PREVALENCE, PRACTICES, AND ATTITUDES TOWARD DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AMONG ADULTS IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA OF BUENOS AIRES (AMBA)
Estudio transversal mediante una encuesta en línea
Keywords:
Dietary supplements, Prevalence, Physical activity, Food and Nutrition EducationAbstract
Introduction. Dietary supplements are products intended to reinforce the intake of specific nutrients. Their use has increased across various population groups, driven by concerns about physical well-being, athletic performance, and the search for quick solutions to nutritional deficiencies or aesthetic goals. Social media, advertising, and fitness culture have promoted and normalized their use as part of a healthy lifestyle. However, potential risks and the limited available evidence often go unnoticed when they are consumed without professional supervision.
Objective. To assess the prevalence, practices, and attitudes related to dietary supplement use among adults aged 18 to 65 residing in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA) between December 2024 and March 2025.
Methodology. A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 281 participants, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling.
Ethics Committee. This research study was reviewed and approved by the Bioethics Committee of the Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón” in San Martín.
Results. Most participants were female (84%), had a university-level education (89.3%), and 47% were health professionals. A total of 44% (n = 123) reported using dietary supplements, mainly nutritional supplements (58.9%), with health-related reasons being the primary motivation (65.5%). Additionally, 73.2% received recommendations from sources considered trustworthy. A significant association was observed between supplement use and physical activity (p < 0.001), as well as being a health professional (p = 0.019).
Discussion. Almost half of the respondents reported consuming dietary supplements, with their use being associated with regular physical activity and educational level. Although most participants stated that they had received information from reliable sources, one in four still turns to informal channels (such as trainers, social media, or family) for guidance on their use.
Conclusion. The consumption of dietary supplements appears to be influenced by social constructs related to well-being, physical performance, and body care. This highlights the need to strengthen nutrition education and professional guidance, as well as to promote research that encourages informed and evidence-based use.
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