Table 6 Habits and beliefs about using dietary supplements among users
Habits and beliefs about using DS | DS users (n = 345) |
|---|---|
- For what purpose would you use a dietary supplement product? | n(%) |
 To treat a nutrient deficiency | 152(44.1) |
 To prevent or treat a chronic disease | 19(5.5) |
 To boost immunity by prevention from communicable diseases (e.g. flu/cold/covid-19 virus) | 30(8.7) |
 To elevate allergies and their related symptoms | 6(1.7) |
 For general health and wellbeing | 67(19.4) |
 Energy source | 24(7.0) |
 Weight loss or gain purposes | 24(7.0) |
 Beauty purpose | 23(6.7) |
- How often do you take dietary supplements? | |
 Daily | 175(50.7) |
 Weekly | 67(19.4) |
 Few times a week | 45(13.0) |
 Monthly | 38(11.0) |
I don’t use any supplement currently | 20(5.8) |
- Are you taking supplements based on your Doctor’s prescription or is it a self- prescription? | |
 Based on physician’s prescription | 215(62.3) |
 Someone I know recommend it to me | 34(9.9) |
 Self-prescription based on my own knowledge | 96(27.8) |
- Have you ever experienced any side effect(s) while taking your supplements? | |
 Yes | 50(14.7) |
 No | 226(66.3) |
 I don’t know | 69(20.0) |
- What type of side effects did you experience? | |
 Constipation | 20(5.6) |
 Upset stomach | 7(2.0) |
 Insomnia | 3(0.8) |
 Nausea | 2(0.6) |
 Others (weight gain, excessive hair growth, dizziness, headache and stool discoloration) | 21(5.9) |
- Do you recommend taking dietary supplements for everyone according to your experience? | |
 Yes | 281(81.4) |
 No | 50(14.5) |
 I don’t know | 14(4.1) |