Vitamin/mineral supplement (VMS) use has become increasingly popular in children and adolescents; however, different predictors may be associated with their usage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare determinants of VMS use in 1578 children and adolescents. Data was collected among parents of children (≤12 years old) and among adolescents (>12 years old) who attended public schools by a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for determining the predictors of VMS use. In children, the following determinants of VMS use were indicated: socioeconomic status (average vs. very good/good; OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.16⁻2.48), physical activity (1⁻5 vs. <1 h/week; OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.02⁻2.04), BMI (≥25 vs. 18.5⁻24.9 kg/m²; OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46⁻0.98), and presence of chronic diseases (yes vs. no; OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.46⁻3.69). In adolescents, gender (male vs. female; OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37⁻0.87), residential area (rural vs. urban; OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.40⁻0.99), BMI (<18.5 vs. 18.5⁻24.9 kg/m²; OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17⁻0.73), and health status (average/poor vs. at least good; OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.13⁻3.39) were factors of VMS use. In both groups, the mother's higher educational level, fortified food consumption and diet modification towards better food choices were predictors of VMS use. In conclusion, most of the predictors of VMS use were different in children and adolescents.
Keywords: adolescents; children; determinants; dietary supplements; food choice.