Evaluation of the Use of Vitamin-Mineral and Herbal Products In Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors : Gülşah Kaner, Gamze Çalık, Tuba Yalçın, Gamze Yurtdaş Depboylu
Pages : 187-197
Doi:10.53394/akd.1437221
View : 73 | Download : 97
Publication Date : 2025-05-28
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Objective: To assess the use of vitamins, minerals and herbal products by adults during COVID-19. Methods: The study population was 742 adults aged ≥18 years. An online cross-sectional study included questions about the use of vitamin-mineral, dietary supplements, and herbal products before and during COVID-19. Results: The use of dietary supplements and herbal products by participants during the pandemic was statistically significantly higher than before the pandemic (p<0.001 for both periods). People aged 18-50 years (39.5%) were more likely to take supplements than people aged 51-64 years (8.3%) (p=0.034). Before and during the pandemic, women (41.6% and 48.3%, respectively) were statistically significantly more likely to take supplements than men (30.5% and 32.8%, respectively) (p=0.008 and p<0.001, respectively). A statistically significant difference was found between the educational status of individuals in relation to the use of supplements before and during COVID-19 (p=0.004 and p<0.001, respectively). People with a medically diagnosed disease before and during COVID-19 were more likely to use supplements (for both periods; p<0.001) and herbal products (p=0.021 and p=0.002, respectively) than people without a chronic disease. Vitamin D was found to be the most commonly used supplement before and during COVID-19. The most consumed dried herbs before and during the pandemic were thyme (68.0% and 71.8%, respectively) and black pepper (63.9% and 64.4%, respectively). Conclusion: The pandemic has heightened health awareness and made individuals think more about their health. People have increasingly turned to supplements and herbal products to support their health and immune function in these difficult times.
Keywords : besin takviyesi, bitkisel ürün, COVID-19

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