The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dietitians licensed in Oregon regarding functional foods, nutrient supplements, and herbs as complementary medicine

To examine the perceived knowledge and attitudes of dietitians licensed in Oregon (LDs) regarding the effectiveness and safety of functional foods, nutrient supplements, and herbs as complementary medicine as well as their personal use, recommendations for the use of others, and training needs.

A mailed survey was used to gather data. The questionnaire was developed and face-validated after a focus group discussion.

A geographically stratified, random sample of 202 Oregon LDs was surveyed; usable data were collected from 162 LDs (80%).

Descriptive statistics and chi 2 tests were used to analyze data. The data were weighted to take account of the sampling method and yield population estimates.

LDs considered themselves to be knowledgeable of functional foods and nutrient supplements. More than 80% were confident of the effectiveness of functional foods and nutrient supplements for prevention of illness and treatment of chronic illness, and at least 89% were confident of their safety for these uses. Fewer than 75% considered herbs to be safe and only about 50% were confident of the effectiveness of herbs. Only 10% or fewer LDs considered themselves to be knowledgeable about herbs for prevention and treatment of illness. Interest in training about each of these less-traditional nutrition therapies was high.

Oregon LDs consider themselves to be actively practicing in the area of complementary medicine and have a strong desire for further training. The dietetics profession can capitalize on this interest by taking the lead in training dietitians about the role of functional foods, nutrient supplements, and herbs in health.