Assessing the influence of information on the intention to use dietary supplements: An online questionnaire study. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lenssen, Karin G.M.; Garcia Fuentes, Alvaro; van Osch, Frits H.M.; Bast, Aalt; de Boer, Alie
• Is Part Of: Journal of functional foods. Volume 92(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Risk-benefit information -- Label -- Consumer protection -- Food information -- Health claims; Functional foods -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 613.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-4646

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Front-of-pack risk/benefit information did not impact the intention to use a product. Additional information had a significant impact on the intention to use a supplement. Familiarity may have an influence on use of front-of-pack information. The label is not the primary source of information used by consumers. Abstract: Since it is observed that the consumption of herbal dietary supplements is increasing, we aimed to research whether front-of-pack risk and benefit information influences a consumer's intention to use (ITU) a dietary supplement. A total of 268 subjects participated in an online questionnaire, in which they were exposed to one of four different labels with risk and/or benefit information about the product, and were provided with additional risk-benefit information. Their ITU was measured at three time points: after exposure to the label, after reading the additional information and after a wash-out period. The results from our study showed that information on the label did not significantly impact the ITU. In all groups, ITU significantly increased after exposure to detailed information, and again after the wash-out period. We therefore conclude that front-of-pack information did not influence a consumer's intention to use dietary supplements, but additional information may have influenced their intentions.