Vitamin/mineral and non-vitamin/ non-mineral supplement use of breast cancer survivors in Korea
- Author:
Jioh KANG
1
;
Jiyoung YOUN
;
Hyun Jeong CHO
;
Hyeong-Gon MOON
;
Dong-Young NOH
;
So-Youn JUNG
;
Eun Sook LEE
;
Zisun KIM
;
Hyun Jo YOUN
;
Jihyoung CHO
;
Young Bum YOO
;
Se Kyung LEE
;
Jeong Eon LEE
;
Seok Jin NAM
;
Jun Won MIN
;
Yoo Seok KIM
;
Jihyoun LEE
;
Seho PARK
;
Joon JEONG
;
Jung Eun LEE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Research Paper
- From:Nutrition Research and Practice 2026;20(2):333-345
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Dietary supplement use is common among breast cancer survivors, but studies on Asian populations remain limited. This study investigated dietary supplement use among Korean breast cancer survivors, distinguishing between vitamin/ mineral (VM) and non-vitaminon-mineral (NVNM) supplements.
SUBJECTS/METHODS:This cross-sectional study included 1,136 stage I–III breast cancer survivors from 12 Korean hospitals, who survived more than 6 mon post-surgery. The participants completed a questionnaire on post-diagnostic dietary supplement use. Stepwise logistic regression was applied, calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify the demographic and clinical factors associated with VM and NVNM use.
RESULTS:Seventy percent of survivors reported supplement use, with 25% using a single product. The most common VM supplements were multivitamins/minerals, vitamin D, and vitamin C, while the most common NVNM supplements included omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and ginseng. Survivors with higher education and greater physical activity were more likely to use VM supplements (ORs [95% CIs], 2.74 [1.76–4.25] for college graduates or above vs. middle school or below; 1.38 [1.02–1.88] for the most active group vs. the least active group). NVNM use was associated with higher education, greater physical activity levels, and a history of smoking (ORs [95% CIs], 2.29 [1.46–3.58] for college graduates or above vs. middle school or below; 1.52 [1.13–2.06] for the most active group vs. the least active group; 2.00 [1.23–3.25] for ever smokers vs. never smokers). Survivors who had undergone chemotherapy were also more likely to use NVNM supplements than those who had not (OR [95% CI], 1.37 [1.02–1.84]).
CONCLUSION:Seventy percent of Korean breast cancer survivors used dietary supplements in this study. VM use was associated with higher education and physical activity, while higher NVNM use was associated with higher education, greater physical activity, a history of smoking, and chemotherapy.
