2026-10-06T12:04:08Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/32635014 2026-10-01T16:52:28Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Characterising the use of botanical food supplements among prevalent food supplement users and on social media Brídín McDaid (24166854) PUREID: 467765078 Botanicals food supplements ageing athletes social media research Food supplement (FS) intake has been well characterised in the general population, but FS containing botanical ingredients (BFS) are, however, less well characterised. There is a lack of legislative harmonisation across jurisdictions regarding classification of BFS as foods or medicines, also. Older adults and athletes are two population subgroups where intake of BFS requires investigation given the potential for adverse outcomes such as polypharmacy-related interactions and adverse side effects (older adults) and/or doping violations for competitive athletes. The role of social media (SM) as a source of information and potential influence on BFS use is unknown.<br><br>This thesis involved five aspects. 1) A secondary analysis of data from a cohort of older adults in Northern Ireland (the NICOLA study) to characterise FS and BFS use. Using the baseline data from this longitudinal cohort study (n=2,906), supplement users were characterised according to demographics, dietary intake, anthropometrics, and health-related biomarker status (Chapter 2). 2) An online survey (n=183) captured FS and BFS use among SM users. It questioned reasons for use and consumer knowledge and attitudes towards the advertising of BFS on SM with descriptive and content analysis of survey responses (Chapter 3). 3) A source and content analysis of historical Twitter data from 2019 and 2021, as informed by the results from Chapter 3. Analysis explored how BFS are discussed on Twitter, what types of BFS are discussed, as well as the sources of such tweets (Chapter 4). 4) A survey of elite and amateur athletes living on the island of Ireland, (n=217) capturing FS and BFS intake as well as athletes' perceptions, knowledge, attitudes and sources of information about BFS.5) Using Personal and Public Involvement, a tool for athletes was developed to use before deciding to incorporate a BFS into their nutrition regimen (Chapter 5).<br><br>This thesis showed that there is a considerable proportion of older adults, social media users and athletes who consume FS on the island of Ireland. Evidence suggests that this is to primarily support health. There is a minority who consume BFS across each subgroup despite variable knowledge of what such products may constitute and their efficacy. BFS are discussed on SM, often in a promotional context or by the general public and with little scrutiny of content. This thesis highlights a need for improvements in methodologies used to gather detail on food supplement use in diet and nutrition surveys along with greater scrutiny in how BFS are advertised on SM e.g., Instagram or Facebook. It highlights a needed for clarity in communication around FS and BFS and improved nutrition education, particularly among older adults and athletes, to provide accurate, evidenced-based advice on safe FS and BFS use.<br> 2026-10-01T16:52:28Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32635014.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Characterising_the_use_of_botanical_food_supplements_among_prevalent_food_supplement_users_and_on_social_media/32635014 All Rights Reserved