Do physicians take dietary supplements-and if so, which ones and why? A new survey conducted for the supplements-industry trade association the Council for Responsible Nutrition sought answers from 900 physicians, evenly divided among three specialties-cardiology, dermatology and orthopedics. Overall, dermatologists were most likely to use dietary supplements at least occasionally (75%), followed by 73% of orthopedists and 57% of cardiologists. Dermatologists were also most likely to be regular dietary supplement users, at 59%, with 50% of orthopedists and 37% of cardiologists regular users. The most commonly mentioned product was a multivitamin, but more than 25% in each specialty said they took omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and more than 20% said they used some botanical supplements. Orthopedists were most likely to say they recommend dietary supplements to their patients, mostly for bone and joint health, at 91%. Next came cardiologists, with 72% sometimes recommending supplements for heart health or lowering cholesterol. And 66% of dermatologists at least occasionally suggest patients try supplements, citing possible benefits for skin, hair and nails.
TO LEARN MORE: Nutrition Journal, online before print at dx.doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-10-20.