ARS | Publication request: VITAMIN SUPPLEMENT USE AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS IN A MULTIETHNIC REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF FOURTH GRADE SCHOOL CHILDREN IN TEXAS

Submitted to: Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 1, 2006
Publication Date: March 6, 2006
Citation: George, G.C., Hoelscher, D.M., Nicklas, T.A. 2006. Vitamin supplement use and lifestyle factors in a multiethnic representative sample of fourth grade school children in Texas [abstract]. Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 20(4):A7.

Technical Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine diet and physical activity (PA) related correlates of vitamin supplement use in 4th grade children in Texas. Data from the 2000-2002 School Physical Activity and Nutrition study, a multiethnic probability-based sample of Texas school children, were used. Participants (n=6235; 11.3% African-American, 31.3% Hispanic, and 57.4% white/other) had a mean age of 9.7 plus or minus 0.3y. Vitamin supplement use, food choices, and PA patterns were assessed via a validated survey instrument; anthropometric factors were measured. Sampling weights were applied, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated using logistic regression analyses stratified by gender. Use of supplements did not vary by weight status or race (p>.05). Supplement users were less likely to report always eating healthy foods (OR=.37-.61, p<.001). Supplement use was associated with PA in girls (ORs=1.42–2.67, p<.05), but only with organized physical activity lessons in boys (OR=1.91, p<.003). Compared with non-users, male supplement users were more likely to consume yogurt, fruit juice, and rice/pasta (ORs=1.95–2.27, p<.005). In females, supplement use was associated with higher intakes of vegetables, yogurt, milk, and fruit (ORs=2.33–3.16, p<.005). Female supplement users had more positive self-perceptions of body weight than non-users (1.51, p<.014). These results indicate that supplement use may be associated with healthful lifestyle behaviors in 4th grade Texas school children, especially girls.