Researchers at Texas Chiropractic College, in Pasadena, studied children in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in order to estimate their use of supplements.

First, the details.

• NHIS 2007 Child Alternative Medicine files containing records for children younger than 18 years were used.
• Typical demographic variables were used, as well as parental presence; parental education level; use of any herb, vitamin, and/or mineral use for sports performance by children; and age.
• Most were US born and reported living with both parents.

And, the results.

• Parents and children reported child use of a wide variety of herbal and vitamin/mineral supplements to improve sports performance.
• Usage could be predicted by age, gender, and level of education, but less likely by parent-based demographics.
• 95% of those who reported using supplements most commonly used multivitamin and/or mineral combinations.
• This was followed by fish oil/omega-3, creatine, and fiber.
• Males were more likely users.
• Whites reported greater use.
• Average user age was 11 years with 58% older than 10 years, indicating some increase in use with higher age.

The bottom line?

Unfortunately, the abstract doesn’t tell us the primary result: the percentage of children who used supplements.

2/6/12 20:35 JR