Introduction: Prior research has shown that dietary supplement use is a common practice among college students. Most of these studies used surveys and questionnaires to provide an overview of supplement use in the U.S. However, in-depth information on college students’ perceptions and/or concerns related to dietary supplement use is lacking. The aim of this study was to capture a deeper understanding of how college students perceive dietary supplements. Methods: A qualitative case study design was used, which allowed a greater understanding of the case through content analysis. The study used a secondary database, which consisted of web log (blog) posts completed as an assignment in an undergraduate introductory nutrition course. Students were asked to describe their experiences with and beliefs about the use of dietary supplements in a discussion format using a blogging tool. Blog posts were coded and analyzed using QDA Miner computer software. The most commonly mentioned topics were then explored in their original context. Results: Final coding of the blog data revealed four main categories: supplements used, rationale for use, sources of information, and perceptions about the safety of dietary supplements. The most commonly mentioned supplements were multivitamins, diet pills, creatine, and protein supplements. Blog data revealed that a common reason students took dietary supplements was a perceived lack of nutrients in their diet. Information about dietary supplements came mainly from friends’ or family members’ experiences with supplements. Many students had misconceptions about supplements, were not familiar with them, and/or questioned their effectiveness. Conclusions: Based on the study findings, educational programs for college students should focus on common misconceptions; the safety and efficacy of supplements, especially diet pills and protein supplements; critical analysis of supplement information; and the appropriateness of supplement use.

The Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 made safety and efficacy testing of dietary supplements the responsibility of the consumer. Currently, there exists little data on safety and efficacy of supplements, and there is virtually no data regarding safety and efficacy of supplements in individuals under the age of 18 years. Sales indices suggest sports supplement consumption continues to increase among young athletes, and research indicates young athletes have become the key target for marketing. Additionally, pressures to achieve greater athletic performance or an ideal body image are strong motivators for young athletes. These factors create an environment in which adolescents are likely to consume dangerous sports supplements without being aware of risks associated with supplements. This study was conducted as an attempt to understand factors that motivate young athletes to consume sports supplements. The sample for this study consisted of 207 female collegiate athletes participating in basketball, soccer, cross country, volleyball, and swimming during the 2005-2006 NCAA season. A survey instrument containing four scales measured participants'€™ behavioral intention, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control regarding the consumption of sports supplements. Behavioral intention, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) components that, in theory, measure an individual's internal motivations for performance of a behavior. The dependent variable was defined as the intention to consume sports supplements (Behavioral Intention), and attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control were predictor variables. Findings from this study revealed a poor fit for the TPB measurement model. However, the components of the TPB were able to explain 61% of variance in behavioral intention. Additionally, subjective norms were the strongest predictor and perceived behavioral control the weakest. Furthermore, the average female collegiate athlete did not regularly consume sports supplements. Participants claiming to use sports supplements regularly indicated weight loss and gain, fat loss and looking better as primary motivations for consumption. Results indicated the TPB was able to explain a considerable amount of variance in intention to consume sports supplements with body image concerns being primary motivators.

Universidad Mayor de San Somon, Facultad de Ciencias Agricolas Y Pecuarias "Dr. Martin Cardenas." / Abstract in English and Spanish.

Thesis (MScFoodSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2008. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

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No description available.

Thesis (PhDHumanMovement)--University of South Australia, 2003.

Thesis (MApSc(HumanMovement))--University of South Australia, 2002.

Thesis (MApSc(HumanMovement))--University of South Australia, 2002.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Victoria University (Melbourne, Vic.), 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.