Patterns, motivations, and determinants of dietary supplement use among physically active adults in Eastern Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Dietary supplement use is widespread among physically active adults; however, the determinants of this behavior remain insufficiently understood, particularly within the Saudi context. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of dietary supplement use and its associations with physical activity, demographic, and behavioral characteristics among adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 755 physically active adults. Data were collected on physical characteristics (weight, height, and BMI), demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, employment, income, and education), and behavioral characteristics (training frequency and motivation). Differences between supplement users and non-users were assessed using independent-samples Results: Among the 755 participants, 505 (66.9%) reported using dietary supplements, including 250 males (65.96%) and 255 females (67.82%). No significant differences were observed between users and non-users in age, weight, height, or BMI ( Conclusion: Dietary supplement use is common among physically active adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and is largely unaffected by basic anthropometric or demographic factors. However, it is shaped by sex-specific exercise patterns and educational and occupational contexts, highlighting the need for targeted public health efforts to promote safe, informed supplement use through improved regulation and education.