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Key Factors Driving Portuguese Individuals to Use Food Supplements—Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study
Data on food supplement (FS) consumption profiles are scarce. This study aims to characterise FS consumption among Portuguese adults and identify personal, social, professional, and health-related factors influencing FS use. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire between July and September 2023. The participants were categorised into healthcare professionals (supplement users and non-users, i.e., HPS and HPnS) and non-healthcare professionals (supplement users and non-users, i.e., nHPS and nHPnS). Group distributions were compared using the χ2 test. FS use is very prevalent in Portugal. Significant differences emerged between HPs and nHPs regarding factors associated with FS use. Socioeconomic and professional characteristics, nutritional knowledge, and healthy lifestyles (e.g., eating habits) were all linked to FS consumption. Despite the differences between the groups, across groups, higher education levels, higher nutritional knowledge, and healthier lifestyle habits, such as engaging in sports and healthy food habits, translate into a higher consumption of FSs. The frequent use of FSs in Portuguese adults is associated with higher education, nutritional knowledge, and healthy lifestyles. HPs have specific attitudes through FS use. These findings indicate the need for further research to explore the various types of FSs being utilised and the underlying motivations behind their usage. HPs’ access to FS scientific information and providing practical guidance to promote responsible and informed FS use within the population is crucial.
Exploring the Lifestyle and Dietary Patterns of Food Supplement and Non-Food Supplement Users: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Portuguese Population
Background: The increasing use of food supplements (FSs) and the knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals (HPs) and non-healthcare professionals (nHPs) in Portugal regarding their influence on dietary patterns and health need investigating. This study aimed to explore FS users’ lifestyle and dietary patterns, identifying differences and how professional background influences these patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1122 Portuguese adults aged 35 ± 14.0 yrs (between 18 and 85), via snowball sampling, collecting data on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, FS use, and health attitudes. Cluster analysis (k-means) revealed four patterns: (1) professional supplement users with a healthy diet (PSHD), (2) professional non-supplement users with a less healthy diet (PnSLHD), (3) non-professional supplement users with a healthy diet (nPSHD), and (4) non-professional non-supplement users with a less healthy diet (nPnSLHD). Logistic regression assessed associations with lifestyle traits. Results: Significant sociodemographic differences existed between HPs and nHPs. Higher nutritional knowledge and nutritionist recommendations were strongly associated with a healthier diet and FS use (PSHD, nPSHD). Smoking was associated with less healthy patterns (PnSLHD, nPnSLHD). Among nHPs, males were significantly more likely to belong to the nPSHD group (OR: 1.61) compared to females (OR: 0.61). Distinct dietary and lifestyle patterns among Portuguese FS users and non-users vary by background. Conclusions: The findings suggest that FS users often maintain healthier lifestyles, indicating that FSs typically supplement rather than compensate for poor habits.