Evaluation of the use of dietary supplements among first-grade primary school children from Poland in the context of the socioeconomic status of the family and children's health status

Taking dietary supplements without medical indications becomes frequent among children. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dietary supplementation among children attending first grade of primary school (7.6 ± 0.6 years old) along with the impact of health status and socioeconomic factors. The study included a representative group of children from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland. Data were obtained using a questionnaire completed by parents (n = 2371), obtaining 2258 complete surveys from 42 primary schools. Supplementation was observed among 32.4 % of children (n = 732; 365 boys, 367 girls), regardless of age and gender. Statistical analysis was made using Chi-square test with Yates correction and odds ratios were calculated. Prevailed the use of complex products, as 45.5 % took multivitamin/mineral supplements and 28.2 % polyunsaturated fatty acids. The odds ratio (OR) of giving supplements to children was significantly higher (OR = 1.72) among children with a chronic disease. It was significantly lower among parents with a low level of education (OR = 0.47 for mother and OR = 0.52 for father). Taking dietary supplements was found common among primary school children. The reasons for administering dietary supplements were mainly the child's state of health and the level of parents' education.