A new study of 459 Chinese university students found that those with the poorest eating habits were most likely to take dietary supplements. Students who ate fewer food groups, missed recommended foods, and had lower overall diet quality were significantly more likely to use supplements, possibly trying to make up for nutritional gaps. This suggests that supplements might be used as a band-aid solution rather than addressing the root problem of poor eating habits. The findings highlight the need for better nutrition education to help students improve their actual diets rather than relying on supplements.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether university students with poor eating habits are more likely to take dietary supplements
  • Who participated: 459 Chinese university students between ages 18-26 who completed online surveys about their eating habits and supplement use
  • Key finding: Students with the worst diets were 2-6 times more likely to take supplements compared to those with better diets
  • What it means for you: If you’re taking supplements because your diet isn’t great, focus on improving your actual food choices first - supplements may not be the best solution

The Research Details

Researchers used an online survey to collect information from Chinese university students about their eating habits and supplement use. They measured diet quality using five different scoring systems that looked at things like food variety, whether students ate from all recommended food groups, and how well their diets matched global nutrition guidelines. The study took a snapshot of students’ habits at one point in time rather than following them over months or years.

This approach allowed researchers to quickly gather information from a large group of students and identify patterns between diet quality and supplement use. However, since it only captured one moment in time, it can’t prove that poor diets cause people to take supplements - just that the two tend to go together.

The study used validated questionnaires and included a reasonable number of participants. However, it relied on students accurately reporting their own eating habits, which people sometimes struggle to do perfectly. The findings may not apply to students from other countries or cultures.

What the Results Show

Students with lower food variety scores were nearly 6 times more likely to take supplements than those with better variety. Those who didn’t eat from all five recommended food groups were about 2 times more likely to use supplements. Students whose diets didn’t meet global nutrition recommendations were almost 4 times more likely to take supplements. These relationships remained strong even after accounting for factors like age, gender, and other personal characteristics.

The study found that most students had moderate diet quality scores, suggesting room for improvement across the board. The researchers also looked at scores related to foods that protect against chronic diseases and those that increase disease risk, though these didn’t show as strong connections to supplement use.

This finding aligns with research from other countries showing that people often use supplements to try to compensate for poor eating habits. However, most nutrition experts recommend focusing on improving actual food choices rather than relying on supplements as a primary solution.

Since this was a snapshot study, we can’t know if poor diets lead to supplement use or if supplement users tend to neglect their diets. The study only included Chinese students, so results might not apply to other populations. Students self-reported their eating habits, which may not always be completely accurate.

The Bottom Line

Focus on improving your actual diet by eating a variety of foods from all food groups rather than relying primarily on supplements. If you’re considering supplements, first try to identify and address specific gaps in your eating habits. Consider consulting with a nutrition professional for personalized guidance.

University students and young adults who currently take supplements should evaluate whether they’re using them to compensate for poor eating habits. Parents of college students and campus health services should also pay attention to these findings.

Dietary improvements can show benefits within weeks to months, while developing sustainable eating habits typically takes several months of consistent practice.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings from each major food group (fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, dairy) to identify which areas need improvement
  • Set a goal to eat from at least 4-5 different food groups each day before considering supplement use
  • Weekly review of food group variety and monthly assessment of whether supplement use is still necessary as diet improves

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or nutritional advice. Consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or supplement routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions.