1.Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) on Selected Dietary Supplements (Barley Grass, Wheatgrass and Chlorella vulgaris powders)
Azrina Azlan ; Wan Ying Gan ; Hao Yuan Yoh ; Sharmin Sultana
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.5):59-69
Introduction: Three selected dietary supplements (DS), barley grass (BG), wheatgrass (WG), and Chlorella vulgaris
(CV), are commercially available. However, more information is needed about the antioxidant properties of the
three DS and their potential health benefits on adults’ health and well-being. Thus, this study aimed to determine
the antioxidant properties and adults’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the three selected DS. Methods: In phase 1, an experimental study was conducted on antioxidant analysis, total phenolic content (TPC) and
DPPH radical scavenging activity for the three DS. For phase 2, a cross-sectional survey (n=338) was conducted
for the three DS through an online platform where convenience sampling was performed. Results: In phase 1, BG
(2.83±0.50mg GAE/g DW) had the highest TPC, followed by WG (2.02±0.20mg GAE/g DW) and CV (1.74±0.65mg
GAE/g DW); DPPH radical scavenging activity, BG (198.23±0.15µg/mL) and WG (177.25±0.17µg/mL) had lower IC50 compared to CV (1185.84±0.28µg/mL). Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between IC50 of the
three DS and standards, butylated hydroxytoluene (24.51±0.37µg/mL) and quercetin (26.04±0.55µg/mL). While in
phase 2, poor knowledge (51.5%), moderate attitude (39.6%), and poor practice (43.2%) levels were observed in
most of the participants. Moreover, working adults reported higher scores in knowledge (3.70±1.51) compared to
students (3.33±1.63, p=0.037). Males had higher scores (29.27±2.42) in attitude compared to females (28.49±2.68,
p=0.030). Besides, participants who were single and completed tertiary education with 4-6 years of working experience showed better practice scores. The overall knowledge (r=0.134, p=0.013) and attitude (r=0.273, p<0.001)
scores correlated significantly with practice scores. Conclusion: Participants’ poor knowledge, moderate attitude,
and inadequate practice in phase 2 caution against over-reliance on supplements, emphasizing the importance of an
active lifestyle and balanced diet for optimal health and longevity.