Development of a Resource To Help Consumers Select Nutrition Supplements

摘要

Purpose: In Canada, many people do not meet all the recommended nutrient intakes with food alone; the use of supplements may be one strategy to compensate for some of theseinadequacies. Previous research has revealed several barriers to supplement use, including a lack of knowledge. In this qualitative study, we developed a resource to help inform and educate consumers on the selection of appropriate nutrition supplements.Methods: Three focus groups with participants residing in low-income neighbourhoods in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and seven key informant interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide and four resource examples. After transcription ofthe discussion and interviews, thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes. Results: Analysis yielded three overarching themes: barriers to use, interdisciplinary issues, and resource expectations. Each overarching theme had several subthemes. Subthemes of the overarching theme of resource expectations were subsequently used to create a new tool to help consumers select an appropriate multivitamin.Conclusions: A tool was developed after available resources were explored and stakeholders wereinterviewed. The new resource was based on community members’and health care professionals’ expressed needs, ideas, and beliefs.