Popularity of the Consumption of Dietary Supplements and its Associated Factors among Students in an Egyptian University: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Dietary supplements (DS) use has substantially become prevalent worldwide. However, a limited number of studies have addressed the consumption of DS among college students. AIM: The objective of the study was to explore the prevalence of DS use among college students in an Egyptian college, their motives for DS use, and the association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 (18–25 years) college students at Helwan University. A self-administered questionnaire that included sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, DS use, commonly used types, reasons for use, and sources of information was employed. RESULTS: More than two-thirds of the participants (117 students) have used DS with no difference among sex except for the types and motives for use (p < 0.001). The most used types were amino acids and proteins, multivitamins and minerals, and weight-loss herbals. Male students mainly used amino acids and proteins (54.7%), multivitamins, and minerals (17.2%), for building muscles (50%), gaining more energy (14%), and maintaining good health (14%). Female students consumed multivitamins and minerals (35.8%), weight-loss herbals (28.3%), for health promotion (34%) and weight management (28.3%). The main sources of information were the internet, health-care providers, and coaches. Male users depended primarily on the internet; however, female users received information from health-care providers (p < 0.001). Practicing exercise, non-smoking, and dietary patterns were associated with DS use. CONCLUSION: DS use is remarkably common among college students in Egypt since their freshmen year. The findings highlight an urgent need to raise students’ awareness regarding the appropriate use of DS from reliable sources to control DS use and prevent adverse effects.