Dietary supplement usage and consumption practices among Taiwanese in the period 1993-2002

This study reviews the status of dietary supplement consumption practices and patterns of supplement usage among the Taiwanese population, using information derived from the Nutrition and Health Survey (NAHSIT) 1993-1996, Elderly NAHSIT 1998-1999, NAHSIT Children 2001-2002, and other related research literature on supplement use. The results showed that the prevalence of supplement usage was generally higher for females and the elderly, in well-urbanized areas, and for people with a higher education level and higher incomes. In addition, subjects with a good understanding of their own health status, an awareness of nutritional knowledge, or with a defective physiopsychological status had a higher rate of taking supplements. More than 50% of male and female supplement takers took only one type of supplement. The numbers of people taking supplements decreased as the total number of supplement types chosen increased. The major choices of supplements among subjects were multivitamins/minerals, vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin E. Other commonly used supplements were Four-Herbs, lecithin, Chinese angelica root, Lycium chinensis, ginseng, Come BEST, fish oil, Ganoderma lucidum, propolis, and garlic oil. Deciding whether or not to use supplements was obviously affected by age, gender, and the nutrition and health issues an individual faces in his or her corresponding age period. Since correct supplement usage is beneficial but incorrect usage is harmful to health, it is important to finds ways of educating people about the characteristics of supplements so that they can use them effectively.