Table 6.
Dietary supplements used; respondents reported purposes and adverse effects (n=105)*
| Types of dietary supplement used | Frequency (%) | Purposes given by respondents | Adverse effects experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamins and minerals |
17 (16.2) |
Well-being |
Weight gain |
| Essence of chicken drink |
14 (13.3) |
Well-being |
Increased blood sugar |
| Germ oil |
13 (12.4) |
Well-being |
- |
| Rice Bran oil |
9 (8.6) |
Well-being, CKD, diabetes |
- |
| Fish oil |
8 (7.6) |
Well-being, cardiovascular diseases |
- |
| Protein |
7 (6.7) |
Well-being |
Proteinuria |
| Chlorophyll |
6 (5.7) |
Well-being, CKD, diabetes, hypertension |
- |
| Swiftlet’s nest drink |
5 (4.8) |
Well-being |
- |
| Bee pollen |
2 (1.9) |
Well-being |
- |
| Wheatgrass |
2 (1.9) |
Well-being |
Increased SCr |
| Fibre |
2 (1.9) |
Constipation |
- |
| Coconut oil | 1 (0.9) | Well-being | Diarrhoea |
* Respondents reported more than one type of dietary supplement used; SCr = Serum creatinine.