Practices, attitudes, and beliefs regarding dietary supplements among Florida's dietitians and nurses.

This study investigated the practices, attitudes, and beliefs of Florida's nurses and dietitians regarding dietary supplements (DS). Eighty-nine dietitians and 64 nurses responded to a self-reported online survey about nutrient-based supplements, defined as nutrients taken to supplement the diet for enhancing health, and herbal supplements, defined as plants used for enhancing health rather than food seasoning. Personal use of nutrient-based supplements for treatment of a health condition was higher among nurses (67%) than dietitians (42%) (p <. 05). However, dietitians recommended nutrient-based supplements more often than nurses (p <. 05). Both groups used fewer herbal than nutrient-based supplements (p <. 001). More nurses than dietitians believed herbal supplements to be effective (p <. 05). Practice trends regarding DS identified among Florida's dietitians and nurses can be a reference for states and countries in which the number of older adults is growing.