Knowledge and Attitudes of Health Professionals toward Dietary Supplements and Herbal Foods

Abstract

Dietary supplements are vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, fiber, various plants, and extracts. They enhance nutritional status and immune function, and have a significant impact on disease prevention and health. However, it is important to note that dietary supplements should be used to supplement a diet, not replace it, and only when the diet fails to meet nutritional needs or when individuals suffer from undernourishment. Determining the appropriate dosage of dietary supplements is crucial for ensuring their safety. Overconsumption of dietary supplements may result in toxic side effects. In addition, dietary supplements and herbal foods should be carefully used due to possible drug-nutrient/herbal interactions. Questioning and monitoring patients' use of all dietary supplements, herbal foods, and medications by health professionals is important for the prevention of toxicity or other adverse effects. The attitudes and knowledge levels of health professionals regarding dietary supplements and herbal foods affect their counseling of patients, including questioning and monitoring the use of supplements. Therefore, this study aims to review the literature about the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals toward dietary supplements and herbal foods.