The Prevalence and Predictors of Dietary Supplements Use among Female University Students in Tehran, Iran

Background: Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining health, and supplements can help fulfill the need for essential nutrients. However, improper use of supplements may lead to some adverse effects. Determining the prevalence of dietary supplement (DS) usage and examining potential predictors of consumption among Iranian femaleuniversity students in Tehran were the objectives of this study.Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2023, involved 400 female students aged 18-32 years. Through self-administered questionnaires, this study evaluated body image (BI) discrepancy, nutritional knowledge (NK), weight management knowledge (WMK), DS use, and sociodemographic and health-related factors. A trained team observed the process. Anthropometric indices, including body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were recorded.Results: A total of 74.6% of participants used supplements in the past 3 months, with higher usage among medical students (79.1%). The commonly used supplements were vitamin D (71.3%) and iron (59.3%). Medical students had greater nutritional and weight management knowledge (p<0.05); but had more BI dissatisfaction compared with nonmedicals students (28.5% vs. 41.3%). Logistic regression revealed that age (p<0.001, OR=1.39) and the NK score (p<0.01, OR=1.11) were positively associated with supplement use. Healthier diet ratings were correlated with lower supplement use (p<0.01).Conclusion: University students, particularly those in medical fields, had a higher rate of DS use. Identifying the predictors of DS use is important for developing health education programs that address the benefits and risks and achieve better health outcomes.