Food, Health. and Nutrient Supplements: Beliefs Among Food Stamp-Eligible Women and Implications for Food Stamp Policy.

Several U.S. professional organizations that develop research-based dietary recommendations for the public support the position that most nutrients can and should be obtained by consuming a balanced diet. This position differs from the widespread and growing use of supplements by the public and changes in public policy currently under consideration, such as the proposal to allow nutrient supplements to be purchased with food stamps. This study investigated the attitudes and beliefs of a diverse sample of food stamp-eligible women concerning the relationship among food, health, nutrient supplementation, and associated lifestyle factors; these findings were then related to ongoing policy dialogue. The findings suggest the need to clarify the policy goals, conduct a more systematic examination of potential strategies for achieving those goals, and broaden the set of explicit criteria used when considering supplement-related policies in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]