Use of dietary supplements in patients seeking treatment at a periodontal clinic

Nutrients. 2013 Apr 2;5(4):1110-21. doi: 10.3390/nu5041110.

Abstract

Dietary supplement use may modify the risk of periodontal disease but effects on wound healing after periodontal procedures are less clear. This study characterized dietary supplement use by male and female patients (n = 376) attending a periodontal clinic-information that is essential for evidence-based intervention studies that may improve patient outcomes after periodontal procedures. Calcium, vitamin D, multivitamin and vitamin C were most commonly used. A greater (p ≤ 0.05) number of males took no supplements compared to females, and more (p ≤ 0.05) females than males took ≥ four supplements. Females took more (p ≤ 0.05) calcium, vitamin D, fish oil, green tea, magnesium, omega 3,6,9 and B vitamin complex. Younger patients (31-50 years) had the highest (p ≤ 0.05) frequency of no supplement use compared to older age groups. Patients over age 50 had a higher (p ≤ 0.05) frequency of using ≥ four supplements including calcium and vitamin D. Supplement use was lower (p ≤ 0.05) in smokers, particularly for calcium, fish oil, green tea and vitamin D. In conclusion, females, older individuals and non-smokers have higher supplement use. Future dietary intervention studies can focus on supplements with known biological activities-anti-inflammatory, antioxidant or osteogenic activity-that may enhance wound healing after reconstructive periodontal procedures.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Care Facilities*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ontario / epidemiology
  • Oral Surgical Procedures*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Periodontal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Periodontal Diseases / epidemiology
  • Periodontal Diseases / surgery*
  • Periodontics*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing