| Dietary supplements are used by a significant number of Canadians, in particular women. The purpose of this research was to survey women in Ontario regarding their use of non-vitamin non-mineral supplements. Data were collected using a self-administrated questionnaire. The telephone-based sample included 478 Ontario women, between 25-65 years of age. Analyses included descriptive distributions and multivariate analysis to assess the associations between supplement use and other subjects characteristics. The response rate was 60%. Approximately 64% of participants reported "ever", and 34% reported "currently", using supplements. Echinacea was the most prevalent supplement used. Alleviation of symptoms of illness was the most prevalent reason reported for taking supplements. Increasing BMI was associated with more supplement use and visiting physiotherapist was associated with less supplement use. These findings suggest a high level of supplement use among this sample of Ontario women and use of supplements is associated with certain demographic and lifestyle characteristics. |
