Study on Food Supplement Use Among Italian Students

Introduction to Food Supplements

A recent study published in PLoS ONE explores the habits and beliefs surrounding food supplements among students in Italy. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) defines food supplements as “concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect whose purpose is to supplement a normal diet.”

Research Objectives and Methodology

The research team aimed to understand the motivations behind supplement use among high school and university students, as well as their comprehension of the reasons for their consumption. This cross-sectional study involved inviting students to complete an online, anonymous 18-item questionnaire that gathered data on demographics, personal use of food supplements, and beliefs surrounding their use.

Demographics of Participants

A total of 770 students participated in the questionnaire. Among them, 25.3% were in high school and 74.7% were attending university. Notably, 4% of respondents reported having no knowledge of food supplements. Among those with some knowledge, 37.4% indicated that they had used food supplements.

Key Findings on Supplement Usage

The study revealed significant correlations between education, age, and supplement usage. University students and older individuals were more likely to use supplements. Overall, 41.8% of students reported taking a supplement daily, and 68% used multiple types. Multivitamins emerged as the most popular choice, with 80% of students utilizing them, while 16-23% opted for stimulants, branched-chain amino acids, protein powders, creatine products, and sports drinks.

Sources of Recommendations for Supplement Use

The majority of students (50%) received recommendations for food supplements from medical doctors, while 16% were advised by sports coaches. Other influential sources included friends, internet media, pharmacists, and parents. Although 88.2% of participants did not report adverse effects, gastrointestinal issues were the most common complaints.

Supplement Use Among Active and Inactive Students

Interestingly, the prevalence of supplement use was similar between students engaged in regular sports (38.4%) and those who were not (36.3%). However, those participating in individual sports reported higher supplement use than those involved in team sports.

Reasons for Supplement Use

While nonusers viewed improved sports performance as the main reason for supplement consumption, users often cited enhanced mental performance and overall well-being. Nutrient intake was not a significant motivator for either group. Furthermore, students studying medicine or health-related fields did not place much emphasis on the benefits of food supplements in preventing chronic diseases or cancer.

Concerns About Oversight and Education

This study highlights a growing trend of food supplement use among younger individuals, which tends to increase with age, influenced by various external factors. Despite half of the supplement users being advised by medical professionals, previous studies have indicated that this percentage is lower among the general adult population, where media marketing plays a significant role.

Implications for Future Awareness

The primary motivations for supplement use—enhancing physical and mental well-being—do not align with the EFSA’s definition of food supplements aimed at filling nutrient gaps. Notably, even among those using supplements for well-being, no specific dietary deficiencies were identified.

While this study provides valuable insights, its applicability may be limited due to the narrow demographic of respondents. Nevertheless, this limitation underscores the urgent need to educate students and their influencers—such as medical doctors and coaches—about the necessity and benefits of food supplements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as food supplement use becomes more prevalent among students with minimal education on the topic, it is essential to promote greater awareness regarding their appropriate use and the specific individuals who may benefit from them.

References

(1) Sirico, F., et al. (2018). “Habits and beliefs related to food supplements: Results of a survey among Italian students of different education fields and levels.” PLoS One 13(1): e0191424.
(2) Chiba, T., et al. (2017). “Behaviors of consumers, physicians and pharmacists in response to adverse events associated with dietary supplement use.” Nutr J 16(1): 18.