Dietary supplement consumption and associated factors among Algerian population residing in Tebessa: Cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dietary supplement consumption among Algerians in Tebessa.

Materials and methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey carried out over two months. The study included 216 Algerian men and women selected via simple random sampling. Approximately half of the participants were under 27 years old, with a mean age of 30 years. Variables assessed included the use of dietary supplements, reasons for consumption, frequency of use, types of supplements used, sources of purchase, and sources of advice regarding consumption. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using the Mann–Whitney test and Chi² test, respectively. Logistic regression was employed to examine associations between dietary supplement consumption and explanatory variables, including socioeconomic factors.

Results

The prevalence of dietary supplement use was 88.4%. The most common reasons cited for consumption were muscle mass enhancement and fatigue reduction. Vitamins were the most frequently used supplements, followed by trace elements. Consumption patterns were significantly associated with socioeconomic factors.

Conclusions

A large part of the population has consumed food supplements for different reasons. This consumption could be beneficial for their health. Therefore, information-based on scientific evidence is important to prevent inappropriate use of dietary supplements by consumers. This study could serve as the foundation for a nationwide multicenter study to gain a better understanding of dietary supplement use among Algerians.