Researchers in Indiana surveyed 62 Hispanic and Latino immigrants to understand what herbs, spices, and supplements they use and why. They found that women and people with high school education were more likely to use supplements, especially green tea and vitamins. Interestingly, many people were using these products for health conditions like bone problems, heart disease, and digestive issues, but scientists found that most of these supplements don’t have strong scientific proof that they actually work. The study suggests that Hispanic communities in the U.S. need better education about which supplements are truly helpful and which ones might not be necessary.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: What herbs, spices, and supplements do Hispanic and Latino immigrants in Indiana use, and do these products have scientific evidence supporting their use?
  • Who participated: 62 Hispanic and Latino immigrants living in Kokomo, Indiana. The study included both men and women of various education levels and health backgrounds.
  • Key finding: Women used supplements much more often than men (especially green tea and vitamins), and people with certain health conditions like bone problems, heart disease, and digestive issues were more likely to follow special diets. However, most of the supplements people were using didn’t have strong scientific research proving they work.
  • What it means for you: If you’re part of the Hispanic or Latino community using herbs and supplements, it’s worth talking to a doctor or nutritionist about whether what you’re taking actually has scientific support. Many traditional remedies are helpful, but some may not have been tested thoroughly. This doesn’t mean stop using them—just get informed advice first.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers took a snapshot in time by surveying people once, rather than following them over months or years. The researchers used convenience sampling, which means they surveyed Hispanic and Latino immigrants who were available and willing to participate in Kokomo, Indiana. Participants answered questions about what herbs, spices, and supplements they used, why they used them, what health conditions they had, and what they ate. The researchers then looked at the answers to see if certain groups (like women versus men, or people with different education levels) used different products.

This approach is useful for getting a quick picture of what’s happening in a specific community. However, because it’s a snapshot rather than a long-term study, it can’t prove that supplements actually caused health improvements—it just shows what people are using. The convenience sampling method means the results might not represent all Hispanic and Latino immigrants, just those who happened to be available to survey.

The study has some strengths: it directly asked people about their real habits and beliefs, and it looked at a community that hasn’t been studied much before. However, there are limitations: the sample size is relatively small (62 people), the sampling method wasn’t random, and the study only captured one moment in time. The researchers didn’t verify whether people were actually taking supplements correctly or whether they were getting results from them.

What the Results Show

Women were significantly more likely to use dietary supplements than men, with a very strong statistical difference (p <.001, which means this difference is very unlikely to be due to chance). Green tea supplements in particular showed this gender difference. People with a high school education were more likely to use supplements compared to other education levels. The study found that people with bone and joint problems, heart disease, stomach and digestive issues, and diabetes or thyroid problems were more likely to follow special diets, suggesting they were trying to manage their conditions through food and supplements. However, when researchers looked at the scientific literature, they found that most of the supplements people were using didn’t have strong research evidence supporting their effectiveness for the conditions people were treating.

The study documented which specific herbs, spices, and supplements were most popular in this community, though the abstract doesn’t list them in detail. The research also collected information about people’s beliefs about why supplements work and their food choices. These secondary findings help paint a picture of the community’s health practices and beliefs, even though they weren’t the main focus of the study.

Previous research has shown that Hispanic and Latino populations do tend to use more traditional herbs and supplements than other groups in the U.S., often based on cultural practices passed down through families. This study confirms that pattern in the Indiana community and adds new information by showing which specific health conditions drive supplement use. However, the finding that most supplements lack strong scientific evidence is consistent with broader research showing that many popular supplements haven’t been thoroughly tested.

The study only included 62 people from one city in Indiana, so the results might not apply to Hispanic and Latino communities in other parts of the country. The researchers used convenience sampling, meaning they surveyed people who were available rather than randomly selecting participants, which could introduce bias. The study was a snapshot in time, so it couldn’t track whether supplements actually helped people or caused problems. The researchers didn’t verify whether people were taking supplements correctly or consistently. Finally, the study didn’t explore why people chose certain supplements or how they learned about them, which would help explain the patterns observed.

The Bottom Line

If you use herbs, spices, or supplements, especially for managing a health condition, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting or continuing them. This is particularly important if you take prescription medications, as some supplements can interfere with them. Look for supplements that have been tested in scientific studies and have evidence supporting their use. Be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true. Moderate confidence: This recommendation is based on the study’s finding that many supplements lack scientific evidence, combined with general medical best practices.

This research is especially relevant for Hispanic and Latino immigrants and their families in the U.S. who use traditional herbs and supplements. It’s also important for healthcare providers serving these communities, who should be prepared to discuss supplement use with patients. Community health educators and public health officials should pay attention to the recommendation for better education about supplements. People with chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or digestive problems should particularly consider discussing their supplement use with a healthcare provider.

If you decide to try a supplement with scientific evidence, it typically takes 2-4 weeks to notice any effects, though some supplements may take longer. If you don’t see benefits after a reasonable trial period (usually 4-8 weeks), it may not be working for you. Always give your body time to adjust, but don’t continue using something indefinitely without evidence that it’s helping.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Log each supplement or herb you take daily, including the name, dose, time of day, and reason you’re taking it. Also track any symptoms or health changes you notice (energy level, digestion, pain levels, etc.) on a 1-10 scale. This creates a personal record you can share with your doctor to see if supplements are actually helping.
  • Before starting any new supplement, use the app to set a reminder to research it or talk to your doctor. Create a list in the app of supplements you’re currently taking and their scientific evidence rating (strong, moderate, weak, or unknown). This helps you make informed decisions about what to continue using.
  • Review your supplement log monthly to identify patterns—which supplements seem to help, which don’t, and whether any are causing side effects. Share this data with your healthcare provider at your next visit. Over time, this helps you build a personalized supplement routine based on actual results rather than assumptions.

This research describes what supplements Hispanic and Latino immigrants in one Indiana community are using, but it does not prove that these supplements work or are safe for everyone. The study found that many supplements lack strong scientific evidence. Before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement, herb, or special diet—especially if you have a health condition or take medications—please talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. Some supplements can interact with medications or cause side effects. This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. The findings apply specifically to the community studied and may not represent all Hispanic and Latino populations.