Evaluating women’s knowledge about dietary supplement use during pregnancy

Abstract

Purpose Dietary supplements are important in improving maternal health and birth outcomes during pregnancy. This study aims to assess women’s knowledge about the benefits, sources and proper intake of dietary supplements during pregnancy. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study was conducted among women at Jordan University Hospital in Amman, Jordan from July to October 2023. Findings A total of 448 women completed the questionnaire. Analysis of the results showed that among all questions, participants perceived sufficient knowledge about dietary supplements' beneficial effects. Around 50% of the participants did not recognize the importance of vitamin B12 and vitamin A. Most participants identified that iron supplements should not be taken with dairy products, coffee, tea, calcium and antacids. Most participants did not know the source of vitamin A (82.1%), and only 44% knew the correct source of vitamin B12. Less than half of the participants recognized the appropriate administration time for each dietary supplement. Originality/value The knowledge level of the interaction between iron and food, natural sources of vitamins and their benefits was high, less than half of the participants showed poor knowledge about the proper time to take the dietary supplement. Patient education and counseling is important to improve health outcomes.