With a recent increase in dietary supplements (DS) consumption among children in Korea, this study was performed to examine the influencing factors on children's DS consumption. A nationwide survey was conducted employing 3 representative samples of children for summer & fall of 2008 and spring of 2009 by stratified multistage sampling of 120 survey sites per season based on the 2005 census population. Approximately 30 households from each survey site were screened for residing children of 0-19 years and about 1,700 households remained as eligible samples per season. Trained dietitians visited households to perform face-to-face interview to children and/or parents regarding DS consumption including health functional foods (HFF), vitamins/minerals (V/M) supplements and other food supplements during 1 month prior to interview. Out of 5,328 children responded, 18.7% reported DS consumption. Consumption rate was higher in boys (19.9% vs. 17.3% in girls, P < 0.05) and youngsters (22.8% compared to 15.0% in adolescents, P < 0.001). Children from higher income family (P < 0.001), those living in apartments (P < 0.001), those residing in metropolitan area (P < 0.001), and those of mothers with higher education (P < 0.001) were more likely to take DS. Also, mother's employment status and occupation were significantly associated with children's DS consumption. The most popular DS was HFF (72.1%), which was consumed more in children of higher income family. It is revealed that socioeconomic factors affect children's DS consumption significantly. Also it is necessary to estimate children's V/M intake from DS and foods together especially because there are tolerable upper limits set for V/M for safety purposes.
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The purpose of this study is to know about the consumption patterns of functional foods and their associated factors for contributing to the promotion of healthiness on Gwangju residents. The results obtained are summarized as follows: in terms of age, 35.9% of men (n = 78) and 52.3% of women (n = 128) are found in the age range of 45~54 which comprises the highest portion of age distribution. 49.5% of subjects had college education or more. In the occupation category, 33.3% of the men had business job positions, and 39.8% of women were in the unemployed (housewife) category. Stress relief was the most important factor to maintain good health. 76.2% of the subjects have experience in consuming functional foods. The main reason for taking functional foods was to maintain health. Information and reliability of effectiveness were considered when selecting functional foods. Purchasing functional foods was motivated by family members, relatives, and/or the subjects themselves. Functional foods were mainly purchased from pharmacies or health food stores. Regular exercise, drinking, periodical medical checkups, and eating score all are taken into consideration with the consumption of functional foods.77.9% of subjects recognized functions for functional foods purchased. 18.8% of subjects experienced side effects after intaking functional food. Therefore, functional foods should be managed by the government and nutrition education for consumers should be required to encourage them to choose functional foods more satisfactorily and safely.