Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Dietary Supplements and Micronutrients among Undergraduate Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: A balanced diet remains the cornerstone of good health and disease prevention. Dietary supplements are increasingly consumed to complement nutritional intake; however, extensive and indiscriminate use raises concerns regarding adverse effects, drug interactions, and overreliance. Medical students, as future healthcare professionals, occupy a pivotal position in shaping public health behavior, yet their foundational knowledge of micronutrients may be incomplete.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) related to dietary supplements and micronutrients among undergraduate medical students at UPUMS, Saifai, Etawah.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a census-based sampling approach among all willing undergraduate medical students of UPUMS, Saifai. A total of 360 students participated (1st Proff: n=155; 2nd Proff: n=90; Final Proff: n=115). Sociodemographic data, dietary habits, and knowledge regarding micronutrients were collected via a validated semi-structured questionnaire.
Results: The majority were female (60.2%), aged above 20 years (85.8%), and had a normal BMI (69.5%). Vegetarian dietary habits were predominant (58.1%). Micronutrient knowledge scores showed a significant progressive increase with academic year: Final Proff (67.4%), 2nd Proff (59.8%), and 1st Proff (44.3%).
Conclusion: A significant knowledge deficit exists among newly enrolled medical students regarding micronutrients. Structured nutritional education must be integrated into the early undergraduate medical curriculum.