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Patterns and Determinants of Dietary Supplement Use and Their Public Health Implications Among Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Maha Al Turki

    (Clinical Nutrition Departments, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, P.O. Box 3660, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
    King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), P.O. Box 3660, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia)

  • Fatmah Othman

    (King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), P.O. Box 3660, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
    Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Science, P.O. Box 3660, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia)

  • Doaa Aljasser

    (Epidemiology and Biostatistics Section, Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia)

  • Abeer Salman Alzaben

    (Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

The consumption of dietary supplements is increasing worldwide, yet national data from Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study examined the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of dietary supplement use, with emphasis on vitamin intake. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 477 adults meeting inclusion criteria. Self-reported data included demographics, supplement use in the past 12 months, types and forms consumed, frequency, motivations, and information sources. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied. Overall, 58% reported using at least one supplement in the past year, with vitamins comprising 81% of use. Pills and capsules were preferred, and daily intake was most common (58%). Female gender (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.26–3.31) and higher education (AOR = 4.04; 95% CI: 1.88–8.64) significantly predicted vitamin use. Common motivations included health promotion (19%), symptom relief (24%), and physical appearance (10%), with gender differences in reasons related to general health and immunity. Nearly three-quarters of participants relied on informal sources for supplement intake. Dietary supplement use is prevalent, particularly among women and the highly educated. Targeted education and regulatory measures are needed to promote safe, informed use, aligning with the national health strategies under Saudi Vision 2030.

Suggested Citation

  • Maha Al Turki & Fatmah Othman & Doaa Aljasser & Abeer Salman Alzaben, 2025. "Patterns and Determinants of Dietary Supplement Use and Their Public Health Implications Among Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(10), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:10:p:1512-:d:1763192
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hanan Alfawaz & Nasiruddin Khan & Alwateen Almarshad & Kaiser Wani & Muneerah A. Aljumah & Malak Nawaz Khan Khattak & Nasser M. Al-Daghri, 2020. "The Prevalence and Awareness Concerning Dietary Supplement Use among Saudi Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-14, May.
    2. Md Ashraful Islam & Aseel Fuad Al-karasneh & Mehwish Rizvi & Zeb-Un Nisa & Ahmed Majed Albakheet & Mohammed Abdullah Alshagawi & Muhammad Shahid Iqbal & Abdullah Isa Almuzel & Hani Sadiq Al Afif & Man, 2021. "Prevalence, reasons, and determinants of dietary supplements use among undergraduate female students of health and non-health colleges in a Saudi public university," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(3), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Zakaria A. Mani & Krzysztof Goniewicz, 2024. "Transforming Healthcare in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Vision 2030’s Impact," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-23, April.
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