Nutrient intakes from supplement and factors associated with supplement use among breast cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the contribution of supplement use to total nutrient intake, the prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake and the factors associated with supplement use among breast cancer survivors.

Methods: A total of 701 Korean breast cancer survivors were included. We calculated the contribution of dietary supplements to total nutrient intake and the proportion of the population below the estimated average requirements (EARs) or exceeding the tolerable upper intake levels (ULs). Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with dietary supplement use.

Results: A total of 66.5% of the survivors used dietary supplements, with multivitamins and minerals being the most commonly consumed ones. The per cent contribution of supplement to the total intake was the highest for vitamin C. 28.2%–55.4% of the non-users consumed below the EAR of riboflavin, folate and calcium; 6.1%, 4.9% and 6.5% of the supplement users consumed above the UL of vitamins A and C, and iron, respectively. Supplement users had higher education levels or longer survival time.

Conclusion: 66.5% of Korean breast cancer survivors used dietary supplements. A higher education level or prolonged survival time was associated with higher use of dietary supplements.