Abstract
Background: Use of multivitamin/multimineral (MVM) and other
dietary supplements is
common among American adults. The purpose of this study was
to describe the source and
content of the most widely viewed YouTube videos associated
with MVM supplements.
Methods: Videos were filtered by number of views and the
source of the video upload
was recorded. A comparison of video characteristics and
differences in video content was
conducted.
Results: Cumulatively, the videos in this sample were viewed
25 573 055 times. The
majority of videos found in this sample were uploaded by a
nutrition, wellness, or fitness
channels. Most videos mentioned benefits (80.4%, 95% CI:
72.5%, 88.3%) and advocated
for use of the supplement (72.2%, 95% CI: 63.3%, 81.1%).
Over 84% (84.5%, 95% CI:
77.3, 91.7%) of the videos did not mention risks associated
with taking a particular vitamin
or supplement.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that MVMs
are often promoted and
encouraged, yet risks associated with MVMs were infrequently
mentioned. Health
professionals should be aware of the extent to which MVM
related content appears on
social media and, more importantly, be attuned to the
content, which can be misleading,
or missing information regarding risks and/or evidence of
possible benefits.