Use of dietary supplements among Alexandria University employees, Egypt

There is insufficient information on the usage of dietary supplements among Egyptians. The aim of this study was to identify the pattern of dietary supplement usage among employees of Alexandria University.

A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out on 500 staff members, clerks, and workers of Alexandria University. The sample studied was equally allocated between seven institutions (three from medical sectors and four from nonmedical sectors), and was randomly selected from each institution after obtaining their verbal consent. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle practices, dietary intake, and pattern of dietary supplement usage were collected from each participant.

The use of dietary supplement was reported by 31.2% of the participants. These supplements were mainly multivitamins, iron, or calcium. Almost half of the users (52.6%) had used supplements regularly for years. The supplements were prescribed by doctors among 70.6% of the users for protection against diseases or to improve mental and physical well-being. The daily intake of the studied nutrients for both users and nonusers was found to be lesser than their requirements; also there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of nutrients studied, except in the adequacy of riboflavin, which was found to be higher among users than among nonusers (P=0.040). Female sex, higher educational and occupational levels, and the presence of chronic diseases were associated with the increased usage of dietary supplements.

Dietary intake of the studied nutrients for both users and nonusers of supplements was found to be less than their daily requirements. Nutritional education programs highlighting the importance of eating a balanced diet or the usage of dietary supplements are recommended for university employees.