Dietary supplements and physicians': Knowledge and attitudes

Abstract

Dietary supplements are products that supplement a normal diet and they are concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, individually or in combination. Previous studies indicate that the use of dietary supplements is widespread in many countries. Patients expect their doctors to provide information about supplements, and in many cases supplements are used according to a recommendation of a friend who often has no medical education. Health workers' knowledge about supplements depends on many factors, but most of the studies in this field of education show there is a lot of room for improvement. There is not much information on the knowledge medical students (as future physicians) have about supplements and how these are used, but available data suggest that this knowledge is at a low level. Owing to the fact that the number of dietary supplements on the market is increasing, as well as the number of their users, which can lead to uncontrolled use and health damage, there is a need for educating health workers about dietary supplements so that their use becomes rational and safe.