Patterns and Determinants of Dietary Supplement Use and Their Public Health Implications Among Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Maha Al Turki (), Fatmah Othman, Doaa Aljasser and Abeer Salman Alzaben ()
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Maha Al Turki: Clinical Nutrition Departments, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, P.O. Box 3660, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
Fatmah Othman: King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), P.O. Box 3660, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
Doaa Aljasser: Epidemiology and Biostatistics Section, Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
Abeer Salman Alzaben: Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 10, 1-15

Abstract: The consumption of dietary supplements is increasing worldwide, yet national data from Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study examined the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of dietary supplement use, with emphasis on vitamin intake. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 477 adults meeting inclusion criteria. Self-reported data included demographics, supplement use in the past 12 months, types and forms consumed, frequency, motivations, and information sources. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied. Overall, 58% reported using at least one supplement in the past year, with vitamins comprising 81% of use. Pills and capsules were preferred, and daily intake was most common (58%). Female gender (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.26–3.31) and higher education (AOR = 4.04; 95% CI: 1.88–8.64) significantly predicted vitamin use. Common motivations included health promotion (19%), symptom relief (24%), and physical appearance (10%), with gender differences in reasons related to general health and immunity. Nearly three-quarters of participants relied on informal sources for supplement intake. Dietary supplement use is prevalent, particularly among women and the highly educated. Targeted education and regulatory measures are needed to promote safe, informed use, aligning with the national health strategies under Saudi Vision 2030.

Keywords: dietary supplements; multivitamins; consumption patterns; predictors of use; health behavior; cross-sectional study; gender differences; health promotion; public health policy; Saudi Arabia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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