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Table 4 Reasons for use, experience with DS, opinions and attitudes towards dietary supplements

From: Dietary supplement use among undergraduate male students in health and non-health cluster colleges of a public-sector university in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Reasons for use

Sample (N)

Percentage (%)

General Health and Well Being

22, 31a

4.7, 6.6a

Boost immunity

2, 27a

0.4, 5.8a

Weight gain

2, 18a

0.4, 3.8a

Doctor’s recommendation

7, 17a

1.5, 3.6a

Enhance memory

3, 16a

3.4, 0.6a

Increase performance/sports

5, 24a

1.1, 5.1a

Increase endurance/body building

12, 47a

2.6, 10a

Malnutrition

9. 35a

1.9, 7.5a

Energy source

7, 29a

1.5, 6.2a

More than one reason

82

17.5

Not applicable

318

67.8

Experience with DS use in last month

Pharmaceutical category used

 Generic

12

2.6

 Brand

77

16.4

 Both

11

2.3

 I do not know

51

10.9

 Not applicable

318

67.8

Adverse reactions to dietary supplements

 I suffered from an adverse reaction

1

0.2

 I suffered from an adverse reaction but sure if it was related to DS use

8

1.7

 No, I did not suffer from any adverse effect

142

30.2

 Not applicable to me as I did not use any supplements

318

67.8

Opinion and attitudes

Opinion about dietary supplements

 Necessary for all ages

49

10.4

 They are harmless

185

39.4

 Regular use of dietary supplement prevents chronic disease

194

41.4

 Dietary supplements may prevent cancer

26

5.5

 No opinion

15

3.2

Dietary supplements are good for health

 Agree

224

47.8

 I don’t know

173

36.9

 Disagree

72

15.4

Do you personally recommend use of dietary supplements to others

 Yes, I always recommend

66

14.1

 Yes, only when doctors recommend

305

65

 Not at all

98

20.9

  1. Legend (a) = selected in combination with others