Supplement Use May Be Common Among Physicians

Personal usage of and patient recommendations for dietary supplements may be common among cardiologists, dermatologists and orthopedists, according to a recent study.

With a growing percentage of the American population consuming dietary supplements on a regular basis, the "Life...supplemented" Healthcare Professionals 2008 Impact Study (HCP Impact Study) sought to assess supplement use among physicians themselves, as well as their recommendations to patients. Specifically, 300 cardiologists, 300 dermatologists and 300 orthopedists were surveyed.

The survey found that dietary supplement use among physicians was common, with 57 percent of cardiologists, 75 percent of dermatologists and 73 percent of orthopedists all reporting at least occasional use. Although multivitamin use was the most frequently reported, 25 percent of physicians in each specialty reported using omega-3 fatty acids and 20 percent reported using botanical supplements. Furthermore, 72 percent of cardiologists, 66 percent of dermatologists and 91 percent of orthopedists reported that they recommend supplements to their patients for reasons related to their specialty.

The authors concluded that dietary supplements may be commonly used by physicians and recommended to patients. Additional research is necessary.

References
1.Dickinson A, Shao A, Boyon N, et al. Use of dietary supplements by cardiologists, dermatologists and orthopedists: report of a survey. Nutr J. 2011 Mar 3;10(1):20. View Abstract
2.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. http://www.naturalstandard.com/

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http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/