Abstract

This study examined health foods intakes and related variables among the middle aged(150 men and 159 women) in the Jeonbuk region. Health foods were classified into 4 groups including Chinese medicine(CM), toner foods(TF), vitamin or mineral supplements(VMS), and other manufactured health food supplements(MHFS). The number of people taking health foods were higher for those in their 50's than in their 40's. The consumption rate of TF in men was the highest among health foods, this result had significance. The reasons for taking health foods were recovery from fatigue, supplement of nutrients and making smooth body activity in general, but TF was used to increase of vigor. The consumption rate of health foods was a little different according to social-economic factors, namely, the consumption rate of CM was higher in people in rural than urban areas, those who graduated from middle school than university, blue color & self-employed as opposed to housewives and service workers, low level income than high level income, and Buddhism and no religion than Christian. The consumption rate had a correlation with the habits of smoking, alcohol drinking and exercise ; namely, the consumption rate of CM was higher than VMS and MHFS on smokers and alcohol drinkers. The more the frequency of exercise, the higher the consumption rate of TF, but the duration of the exercise was not correlated. This study suggests that middle aged people need nutritional education for the right recognition and selection of health foods and to consider the nature of each type of health foods.

• Keywords: health foods; middle age