Knowledge, attitudes and practices of Texas dietetic professionals regarding functional foods, nutraceuticals and herbs as complementary medicine

This study determined knowledge, attitudes and practices of Texas dietetic professionals regarding functional foods, nutraceuticals and herbs. Results indicated participants were slightly knowledgeable to somewhat knowledgeable regarding functional foods/nutraceuticals (83%) and herbs (78%). More participants believed that functional foods/nutraceuticals were effective for prevention (83%) and treatment (67%) purposes than herbs were for prevention (40%) and treatment (43%) purposes. More (45%) participants believed that functional foods/nutraceuticals were safer than herbs (10%). The majority used and recommended functional foods/nutraceuticals more than herbs within the past year. In conclusion, steps should be taken to further educate and train dietetic professionals in functional foods, nutraceuticals and herbs.