Factors influenced vitamin or mineral supplements use in a chosen group of children aged 6-12

Due to growing popularity of food supplements the producers of such products introduce food supplements developed especially for children. This, as a consequence, may lead to a risk of exceeded intake of some nutrients. The aim of this study was to identify determinants of vitamin/mineral supplements intake in 6-12-year-old children. The study was conducted by questionnaire method among parents of 743 children attending primary schools. Dietary supplements during the year preceding the survey received 40% of children, while 16.7% on the tested day. It was found that women with secondary and higher education level more frequently reported use of such preparations by their children (43% and 40% respectively). Supplements received more children with moderate or slight deficient body weight (54.2%) compared to children with severe deficiency (29.7%) or obese (25.8%); children with chronic diseases (56%) compared to healthy (37%), participating in extracurricular sport activities (49%) compared to non-participating (35%) and children with more correct dietary habits. Simultaneously supplements and fortified products were used by 34% of children. . The decision of supplements use parents often undertook alone (67% of preparation), while only 31% of them after medical consultation. There is a need to educate children and their parents about the use of supplements and the risks associated with it.