Knowledge and Usage patterns of dietary supplements among college students in Ernakulam, Kerala

The increasing consumption of dietary supplements among young adults, particularly college students, necessitates a better understanding of their knowledge, perceptions, and usage patterns. This cross-sectional study assessed the awareness and consumption behaviours of 100 college students in Ernakulam, Kerala. The findings revealed that 83% of respondents believed in the health benefits of supplements, while 17% remained skeptical. Vitamins and minerals were the most commonly used supplements (54%), with 28% of students consuming them daily. Healthcare professionals were the primary sources of supplement-related information (43%), while online sources were minimally relied upon (3%). Financial constraints appeared to influence supplement expenditure, as 44% of students spent less than 1,000 rupees per month. A one-way ANOVA indicated significant variations in knowledge levels across different age groups (F (5, 94) = 3.935, P=0.003), but no significant association was found between age and duration of supplement use (χ² (5, N=100) = 1.636, P=0.897). These findings underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives to enhance supplement literacy and promote informed decision-making. Future research should explore long-term health outcomes and regulatory measures to ensure safe supplement consumption.