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Updated: May 20, 2026
07:05
Behavioral Disturbances: An Innovative Approach to Monitor the Modulatory Effects of a Nutraceutical Diet
Published on: January 3, 2017
Dietary supplements: physician knowledge and adverse event reporting.
Matthew Cellini1, Selasi Attipoe, Paul Seales
1Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799, USA.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|July 20, 2012
Summary
Military physicians often observe adverse events (AE) from dietary supplements (DS) but rarely report them due to knowledge gaps. Improving AE reporting systems and provider education is crucial for public health and patient safety regarding DS use.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
- Medical Education
Background:
- Dietary supplement (DS) use is prevalent among US military personnel, often involving multiple products and ingredients.
- This widespread use presents a potential public health concern due to possible adverse events (AE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess health professionals' and physicians' knowledge of DS use patterns and associated AE.
- To evaluate how providers discuss DS with patients and their understanding of AE reporting systems.
Main Methods:
- Two cross-sectional, web-based questionnaires were used.
- Data were collected from healthcare providers using the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database and from Uniformed Services University alumni physicians.
Main Results:
- 60% of responding military physicians suspected AE from DS, but only 18% reported them.
- Approximately 73% of physicians were unaware of how or where to report DS-associated AE.
- Most physicians (66%) inquired about DS use, yet 65% lacked reliable information sources for DS.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps exist in DS information and AE reporting among healthcare providers.
- A centralized AE reporting system is needed to identify potentially harmful DS.
- Enhanced provider education on recognizing and reporting DS-associated AE is essential.
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