Abstract
The purpose of this project was to examine the usage of dietary supplements by physically active, multiethnic adults as well as the factors associated with such usage. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection, which found that African Americans (62%) and Hispanics (64%) were more likely to take dietary supplements than Asian Americans (54%). Supplement usage was more prevalent among women; those with higher levels of education, income, and body mass index; and older individuals, with 71% of participants aged 35 years or older taking at least 1 supplement versus 50% of those younger than 35 years (P = .032). The most frequently used supplement was a multivitamin, taken primarily for "good health." Statistical significance was noted only among the age categories, thus indicating that age may play a key role in dietary supplement usage.