Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the regional differences in dietary supplement use and related factors among college students participating in nutritional education programs via the internet. The subjects in this study were 797 college students (male: 518, female: 279). A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire about dietary supplement use, demographic characteristics, health-related lifestyles, nutrient intake, and data were collected via the internet and by mail. Dietary supplements were taken by 82.2% of subjects (males: 76.3%, females: 85.3%). There was a significant regional difference in supplement use (p < 0.01). The supplements, used most frequent by male students in the Seoul and Incheon areas were lactic acid beverages and gagogi, in that order. Male students in the Kyunggi area used gagogi and lactic acid beverages in that order. Lactic acid beverages and Chinese medicine were used most frequently by male students in the Chungcheong area. Male students in the Kyungsang area used lactic acid beverages and water-soluble vitamins, in that order. Male students in Seoul and Kyungsang areas showed significantly higher percentage of keep on taking supplements compared to other areas (p < 0.05). Both male and female students in the Seoul area had more frequent medical examinations, in comparison to students in other areas (p < 0.05). Male students in the Kyungsang and Seoul areas took significantly more calcium (p < 0.05) and iron (p < 0.05), in comparison to students in other areas. Female students in the Kyunsang area took significantly more Vitamin A, phosphorous and iron (p < 0.05), while those in the Seoul area took significantly more Vitamin C (p < 0.01) and calcium (p < 0.05). Male students in the Chungcheong area took significantly less seaweed, in comparison to students in other areas (p < 0.05). Male students in the Seoul area had the highest amount of animal fat and oil, while those in the Incheon area ate the lowest amount of animal oil and fat (p < 0.05). Female students in the Kyunggi area ate the highest amount of fruit, while those in the Incheon area ate the lowest amount of fruit (p < 0.05). Female students in the Incheon area ate the highest amount of seaweed, while those in the Kyunggi area ate the lowest amount of seaweed (p < 0.01). Therefore, it can be concluded that it is necessary to develop dietary supplements to optimize the nutritional status of college students in different areas of Korea.

• Keywords: dietary supplement use; college students; nutrient intake; food intake