Perceived efficacy, indications, and information sources for medically indigent patients and their healthcare providers regarding dietary supplements.

Background: Evidence exists that medically indigent and minority patients use dietary supplements at rates as high or higher than that of the general population. Safety concerns regarding the use of dietary supplements are further exacerbated by a suboptimal level of patient disclosure and provider inquiry.

Objective: To determine dietary supplement use, indications, perceived efficacy, and information sources of patients and providers using a pilot study in a clinic for the medically indigent.