Analysis on consumption behaviors and characteristics of dietary supplement users in Beijing

Objective To study the pattern of dietary supplement consumption of users in Beijing.Methods By strati fied cluster sampling metho d and questionnaire,the dietary supplement use was investigated in 6 regions of Beijing.Results 72.9% of users were more than 45 years old.47 6% was educated no more than junior high school and only 20.5% of the supplements used were recommended by doctors.The proportion of the supplements containing mineral was 47.6%.Those containing fat-soluble vitamin was 42.3%.13.9% and 44.2% of supplements were used for 6-11 months and more than 1 year respectively.The median of expenditure on supplement for each month was 28 yuan.Conclusion Dietary supplement without professional advice in Beijng was common.The potential abuse and the effect of supplement should be paid more attention.