Vitamin ve Gıda Takviyesi Kullanım Alışkanlıklarının Gerçek İhtiyaçlar ve Medya Etkisi Açısından Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

Amaç: Dünya genelinde son yıllarda vitamin ve diğer besin takviyelerinin kullanımı giderek yaygınlaşmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, genel popülasyonun vitamin ve besin takviyesi kullanımına ilişkin alışkanlıklarını değerlendirmektir. Özellikle bu ürünlerin tüketiminin gerçek sağlık ihtiyaçlarına dayanıp dayanmadığı ve bireylerin bu takviyeleri kullanma kararlarında medyanın ne ölçüde etkili olduğu araştırılmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Farklı demografik özelliklere sahip yetişkin katılımcılara uygulanan yapılandırılmış bir anket aracılığıyla tanımlayıcı kesitsel bir araştırma yapılmıştır. Anket; katılımcıların vitamin ve besin takviyesi kullanım sıklığı ve amacı, kararlarını etkileyen bilgi kaynakları, algılanan faydalar ve bu ürünleri kullanmalarının tıbbi öneriye mi yoksa kişisel tercihe mi dayandığı gibi soruları içermektedir. Kullanım desenleri tanımlayıcı istatistiklerle analiz edilmiş, demografik değişkenlerle takviye kullanım davranışları arasındaki ilişkileri değerlendirmek için ki-kare testleri uygulanmıştır. Bulgular: Çalışmaya toplam 400 kişi katılmıştır. Takviye kullanımında en yaygın nedenin bağışıklığı desteklemek olduğu belirlenmiştir (%88,9; p˂0,0001). Ürünlerin en çok temin edildiği yerin eczaneler olduğu saptanmıştır (%52,2; p˂0,0001). Erkek katılımcılarda en sık belirtilen tercih nedeni marka güvenilirliği (%78,7) iken, kadın katılımcılarda en etkili faktör kişisel öneri (%92,2) olmuştur (p<0,0001). Medya, özellikle genç yetişkinlerde olmak üzere kullanıcıların %75’ini etkilemiştir (p=0,00043). Kullanıcıların %90’ı belirli faydalar gördüklerini, ancak %7,5’i yan etki yaşadıklarını belirtmiştir. Sonuç: Araştırmamız vitamin ve gıda takviyelerinin yaygın şekilde ve çoğunlukla denetimsiz kullanıldığını göstermektedir. Ürün tercihinde medya etkisi ve çevresel öneriler önemli rol oynamaktadır. Yüksek kullanım oranlarına rağmen hekim danışmanlığı yetersiz kalmaktadır. Bu sonuçlar, toplumun bilinçlendirilmesi ve güvenli, kanıta dayalı takviye kullanımını teşvik edecek düzenleyici önlemlerin gerekliliğini ortaya koymaktadır.

Keywords

• Vitamin
• besin takviyesi
• medya
• yan etkiler
• bitki-ilaç etkileşimleri

Supporting Institution

Hiçbir kişi ya da kuruluştan herhangi bir destek alınmamıştır.

Ethical Statement

Çalışma protokolü Pamukkale Üniversitesi Girişimsel Olmayan Araştırmalar Etik Kurulu tarafından onaylanmıştır(Tarih:22.01.2025, Sayı:E.643293).

EVALUATION OF VITAMIN AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENT USE HABITS CONCERNING ACTUAL NEEDS AND THE INFLUENCE OF THE MEDIA

Abstract

Objective: In recent years, the use of vitamins and other supplements has become increasingly widespread worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the habits related to vitamin and dietary supplement use among the general population. Specifically, the study investigates whether the consumption of these products corresponds to actual health needs and explores the extent to which media influence affects individuals’ decisions to use such supplements. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to adult participants from various demographic backgrounds. The survey included questions regarding participants’ frequency and purpose of vitamin and dietary supplement use, sources of information influencing their decisions, perceived benefits, and whether their use was based on medical advice or personal preference. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze usage patterns, and chi-square tests were performed to assess associations between demographic variables and supplement use behaviors. Results: A total of 400 individuals participated in the study. Immune support was the most common reason for use (88.9%; p˂0.0001). The most preferred place to purchase the products was found to be pharmacies (52.2%; p˂0.0001). Among male individuals, the most cited reason was brand reliability (78.7%), whereas among female participants, personal recommendation (92.2%) was the most influential factor (p<0.0001). Media influenced 75% of users, particularly younger adults (p= 0.00043). While 90% of the users reported some benefit, 7.5% experienced adverse effects. Conclusion: The findings indicate widespread and often unsupervised use of vitamin and dietary supplements, with media influence and peer recommendations playing a substantial role in product choice. Despite high usage rates, consultation with physicians remains insufficient. These results highlight the need for improved public education and regulatory measures to promote safe and evidence-based supplement use.

Keywords

• Vitamin
• dietary supplement
• media
• adverse effects
• herb-drug interactions

Supporting Institution

No support has been received from any person or organization.

Ethical Statement

The study protocol was approved by the Pamukkale University Non-Interventional Research Ethics Committee (Date:22.01.2025 , Number: E.643293)

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