The prevalence of dietary supplement intake and its correlation factors among infants and preschool children in Taiwan

Abstract

Background

Nutrition and health during infancy and early childhood are widely recognized as critical foundations for optimal development. In response, many parents choose to provide dietary supplements to their children in an effort to support growth and prevent illness.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of dietary supplement use among infants and preschool children, and to assess parental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to supplement use.

Methods

A random sample of 716 parents with infants and preschool-aged children enrolled in childcare institutions in Taichung City, Taiwan, was selected for participation. Parents who provided informed consent were asked to complete a structured questionnaire regarding dietary supplement consumption. The results revealed that 80% of infants and toddlers had consumed dietary supplements—specifically, 74% of infants and 84% of preschool-aged children.

Results

Among children who consumed dietary supplements, over 70% were reported to be in generally good health, while the remainder had conditions such as allergies. The primary reasons for supplement use included enhancing immune function and reducing the frequency of common colds. Parental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward dietary supplements were found to be at moderate to moderately high levels.

Conclusion

Children whose parents used dietary supplements were more likely to consume them as well. The three most commonly used supplements among infants and preschoolers were probiotics, calcium powder or tablets, and goat milk tablets.