Vitamin/mineral and non-vitamin/non-mineral supplement use of breast cancer survivors in Korea

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-vitamin/non-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