Socioeconomic, health, and dietary determinants of multivitamin supplements use in Belgium.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at investigating the use of multivitamin supplements in relationship to dietary pattern, socio-economic conditions and some health indicators. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. Mailed questionnaires were sent to 5,000 Belgian military men. Use of multivitamins, frequency and food consumption were recorded during the past year, together with health (BMI, smoking, physical activity) and socioeconomic indicators (education, income). Dietary patterns were determined using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). RESULTS: Use of multivitamin supplements was associated with healthy lifestyle characteristics, such as a higher physical activity level and non smoking. Moreover, it was found that on average more participants with a Flemish cultural background (19.8%) used supplements compared with participants with a French cultural background (9.3%). The MDS was related to multivitamin supplement use, with 34.9% of users having the highest score range. The socioeconomic indicators 'education' and 'income' were not related to vitamin supplement use. CONCLUSION: A low BMI, healthy diet, regular physical activity, non-smoking status and cultural background were associated with a higher intake of multivitamin supplements.