Use of dietary supplements by cardiologists, dermatologists and orthopedists: report of a survey

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Open access here: abstract<http://www.nutritionj.com/content/10/1/20/abstract>

Abstract (provisional) Background

Dietary supplements are regularly used by a majority of the American

population, and usage by health professionals is also common. There is

considerable interest in usage patterns within the population and in the

reasons for using dietary supplements. The " Life...supplemented " Healthcare

Professionals 2008 Impact Study (HCP Impact Study) surveyed usage of dietary

supplements by physicians in three specialties: cardiology, dermatology, and

orthopedics.

Methods

The HCP Impact Study was conducted online by Ipsos Public Affairs for the

Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), a trade association of the dietary

supplement industry. Respondents were 900 physicians, including 300 each

from three specialties - cardiology, dermatology, and orthopedics.

Results

Fifty-seven percent of cardiologists said they use dietary supplements at

least occasionally, as did 75% of dermatologists and 73% of orthopedists.

The product most commonly reported to be used was a multivitamin, but over

25% in each specialty said they used omega-3 fatty acids and over 20% said

they used some botanical supplements. Regular dietary supplement use was

reported by 37% of cardiologists, 59% of dermatologists, and 50% of

orthopedists. Seventy-two percent of cardiologists, 66% of dermatologists,

and 91% of orthopedists reported recommending dietary supplements to their

patients. The primary reason given for recommending dietary supplements to

patients was for heart health or lowering cholesterol for the cardiologists;

benefits for skin, hair and nails for the dermatologists; and bone and joint

health for the orthopedists.

Conclusions

Reported dietary supplement use was relatively common in this sample of

physicians, and when they recommended dietary supplements to patients, they

tended to do so for reasons related to their specialty.

--

Ortiz, MS, RD

*The FRUGAL Dietitian* <http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com>

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