Factors Associated With Dietary Supplement Use by Sex Among Korean Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Big Data

IntroductionThis study analyzed data from the 2023 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to identify sex-specific factors associated with dietary supplement use among Korean adults.MethodsThe study population comprised 2,517 males and 3,275 females aged 19 years and older. Differences in participant characteristics and dietary supplement use according to sex, as well as sex-specific differences in supplement use according to participant characteristics, were examined using complex sample cross-tabulation analyses. Complex-sample logistic regression analyses were conducted separately for males and females to identify factors associated with dietary supplement use.ResultsAmong males, marital status (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.05-1.73), participation in health screenings (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.19-1.93), weight control (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.10-1.66), and awareness of nutrition labeling (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.01-1.64) were significantly associated with dietary supplement use. Among females, education level (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01-1.54), marital status (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.10-1.96), participation in health screenings (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.16-1.80), stress level (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.10-1.78), body shape perception (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.02-1.68), weight control (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.11-1.75), moderate-intensity leisure-time physical activity (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.02-1.56), and breakfast frequency (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.28-1.98) were significantly associated with dietary supplement use. These findings suggest that the factors associated with dietary supplement use differ by sex.ConclusionThese findings may provide preliminary evidence for the development of sex-specific educational or counseling strategies regarding safe and appropriate dietary supplement use.