DOHA: Nutritional and herbal supplements are increasingly becoming popular among college students in Qatar, with some believing supplements are more effective and safer than conventional medicine in treating certain diseases, shows a survey.
The collaborative research was conducted by Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q), College of the North Atlantic in Qatar (CNA-Q), and Qatar University (QU) and involved a sample of 419 students of both genders and various nationalities.
Nutritional and herbal supplements include multivitamins, ginger, mint, fish oil and protein powders. The research found that 208 students (49.6 percent) had used a supplement at some time in their lives, and 137 (32.7 percent) were regular or current users.
Of those polled, almost 60 percent would choose supplements over conventional medicine when trying to lose weight, almost 45 percent would choose them for treating colds and influenza and 30 percent for diabetes.
The survey also found that women were more likely to take supplements, but that there was no difference between nationalities.
Dr Ravinder Mamtani, Associate Dean, Global and Public Health, and Professor of Healthcare Policy and Research, WCMC-Q, said results merit attention and healthcare professionals should be aware of the prevalent use of supplements.
“A vast majority of students believe that these supplements are safer and more effective than conventional medicines, but that is not always the case. Herbal and nutritional supplements are not always regulated as stringently as conventional medicines, which have to go through laboratory tests and controlled trials before they can be prescribed.
“Supplements can also interfere with the efficacy of conventional medicines in certain cases. Physicians and other healthcare professionals need to be aware that their patients may be taking these supplements and ask about them accordingly,” he added.
While the study did not enquire about the doses of supplements taken, Dr Mamtani said supplements, when taken appropriately in recommended doses, can be beneficial.
Vitamin D and calcium supplements are appropriate for making bones strong and preventing bone loss. But they could prove harmful if taken incorrectly. Vitamin D, for example, if taken in large doses, can lead to nausea, vomiting, polyuria (excessive urine) and kidney damage. Calcium deposits in the body’s soft tissues can also occur. He said people should always consult their physician before taking herbal or nutritional supplements. The report has been published by World Health Organisation in WHO Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal.
The Peninsula
