Sara F Sallam^1,, Amal Hassanien¹, Hala H El Ashry¹, Amina H. Awad¹, Iman H Kamel¹, Nihad H Ahmed², Alshaimaa F. Kamal¹, Saneya A. Wahba¹

Background: Dietary supplements use is increasing globally especially during confinement, with particular reference to vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc. Aim: To assess dietary supplements use and its association with sociodemographic factors among children whose parents work at National Research Centre Cairo, Egypt. Method: An online cross-sectional study was carried out among 200 children < 19 years old whose parents are working at NRC (87 mother and 19 father). An online questionnaire was prepared to elucidate dietary supplements use during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, from December 2020 to March 2021. Results: Overall prevalence of Dietary supplements consumption was (99\200 =49.5%) with no sex difference.DS were used significantly more often by children whose parents are highly educated or related to those working in the scientific sector. The most frequently used supplements as reported by parents were vitamin C (81.5%), zinc (53.8%) and vitamin D (46.9%). More than one third of children had iron and calcium supplement (36.9% and 35.4% respectively). No significant difference was found between supplementation and body mass index.DS were used to improve health (58.5%) and improve immunity (40.6%) with either physician or pharmacist advice. DS was taken with and without medical prescription. more than 20% of respondents are not aware that DS have side effects. Conclusion: Parental education is essential as regards to Dietary supplements use either for their children or for themselves.

dietary supplements, COVID-19, children, consumption, awareness, respondent