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Decision making patterns for dietary supplement purchases among women aged 25 to 45 years old
Women frequently consume dietary supplements but the criteria used to select supplements have received little investigation. This research identified the decision making criteria used for dietary supplements among women aged 25 to 45 years old who consumed a supplement at least four times per week. Participants completed an in store shopping interview that was audio taped, transcribed, and analyzed for the criteria used to make supplement selections.
Sixty one women responded to recruitment notices and were screened for study eligibility. Nine women did not meet the eligibility criteria and one person failed to complete the interview. Therefore completed data was available for 51 women. Participants primarily used 10 criteria during the decision making process for dietary supplements. Participants varied in their use of these criteria during the shopping interview. The price, quantity, and dose of supplements were frequently considered by all of the participants in this study except the brand shoppers. The price and quantity of supplements have little influence on nutritional status.
Vitamin or mineral supplement use contributes to total nutrient intake and can substantially affect nutrient adequacy. Prior research found that supplement users had higher nutrient intakes from food alone than nonusers, and adverse effects of high doses of some nutrients was well established. Therefore supplement dose should be a key factor in choosing dietary supplements. In addition to considering supplement dose during the selection process, consumers also need to evaluate information and claims on supplement labels.
The quality shoppers in this study preferred supplements that included information on the label about product testing and standardization. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act holds supplement manufacturers responsible for making sure their products are safe and include accurate and truthful information on supplement labels. Also, voluntary standards for quality and purity were established by the U.S. Pharmacopeia. Manufacturers that include “USP” on supplement labels indicate that the product meets these voluntary standards and consumers can use the USP designation as one indication that the product meets specifications for quality and composition.
Women frequently consume dietary supplements but the criteria used to select supplements have received little investigation. This research identified the decision making criteria used for dietary supplements among women aged 25 to 45 years old who consumed a supplement at least four times per week. Participants completed an in store shopping interview that was audio taped, transcribed, and analyzed for the criteria used to make supplement selections.
Sixty one women responded to recruitment notices and were screened for study eligibility. Nine women did not meet the eligibility criteria and one person failed to complete the interview. Therefore completed data was available for 51 women. Participants primarily used 10 criteria during the decision making process for dietary supplements. Participants varied in their use of these criteria during the shopping interview. The price, quantity, and dose of supplements were frequently considered by all of the participants in this study except the brand shoppers. The price and quantity of supplements have little influence on nutritional status.
Vitamin or mineral supplement use contributes to total nutrient intake and can substantially affect nutrient adequacy. Prior research found that supplement users had higher nutrient intakes from food alone than nonusers, and adverse effects of high doses of some nutrients was well established. Therefore supplement dose should be a key factor in choosing dietary supplements. In addition to considering supplement dose during the selection process, consumers also need to evaluate information and claims on supplement labels.
The quality shoppers in this study preferred supplements that included information on the label about product testing and standardization. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act holds supplement manufacturers responsible for making sure their products are safe and include accurate and truthful information on supplement labels. Also, voluntary standards for quality and purity were established by the U.S. Pharmacopeia. Manufacturers that include “USP” on supplement labels indicate that the product meets these voluntary standards and consumers can use the USP designation as one indication that the product meets specifications for quality and composition.