Supplement use among college students
According to researchers from the University of North Florida, college students are among those who are using dietary and herbal supplements. In a survey of 1,000 college students, more than 42% currently use or have used supplements, with ginseng, echinacea, and protein powders among the most frequently used. Students report they have used the supplements to improve energy, promote weight loss, and burn fat. Women were more likely to use supplements for weight loss, stress relief, and prevention/treatment of colds and sore throats. Men were more likely to use supplements to build muscle. Students reported that friends and family (52%), health food stores (43%), and magazines and newspapers (32%) were major sources of information. Only 4% of supplement users referred to dietetics professionals for information. Perhaps they do not know where to find such a nutrition expert and professional. You can help them by referring them to The Sensible nutrition Connection, Inc. ( www.sensiblenutrition.com ) or The American Dietetic Association ( www.eatright.org ) .