Prevalence and Usage of Dietary Supplements among Teenagers in Chennai: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The use of dietary supplements is increasingly common among teenagers globally, driven by a variety of motivations such as perceived health benefits, peer influence, and body image concerns. Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbal products intended to supplement one's diet and promote health. However, inappropriate or excessive use of these supplements can pose health risks, particularly in adolescents who may lack sufficient information about proper dosage and potential side effects. This study aims to analyze the prevalence and usage patterns of dietary supplements among teenage students in Chennai.  Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of 6 months from May to October 2024.  A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data and a total of 175 responses analysed using descriptive statistics with statistical significance, p-value < 0.05. Results: Approximately 60% of the participants reported using dietary supplements. Among the users, 65% were male, and 35% were female, indicating a higher prevalence of dietary usage among male teenagers. A significant difference in supplement use was observed between medical and non-medical students. The most commonly used supplements were multivitamins, protein powders, and omega-3 fatty acids. Medical students showed a higher usage of specific supplements, possibly due to greater awareness of health benefits. Most students reported using supplements for general health improvement, increased energy, and enhanced physical appearance. Medical students more frequently cited specific health benefits and disease prevention as reasons for use. Conclusion: This study indicates a high prevalence of dietary supplement use among teenagers in Chennai, with a notable gender difference and higher usage rates among medical students. The findings suggest that medical students, possibly due to their academic training, may have a heightened awareness of dietary supplements' potential benefits. However, the widespread use of supplements among teenagers, especially for aesthetic reasons, underscores the need for health education that informs adolescents about safe and effective use. Schools, parents, and healthcare providers should collaborate to ensure that teenagers have access to reliable information, minimizing the risks associated with unsupervised supplement intake.

Keywords: Dietary supplements, Protein, Vitamin, Teenagers