Food Supplements Usage During Covid-19 Pandemic

Year 2023, Volume: 4 Issue: 1, 6 - 17, 31.01.2023

Merita Rumano , Elvisa Rumano Jotilda Jotı Brunilda Hasanbellı

https://doi.org/10.55549/zbs.1246754

Abstract

Millions of people worldwide use food supplements to maintain their body wellbeing and for immune boosting mainly against flu or other seasonal infections. Taking into consideration the great importance given to the use of supplements during COVID-19 pandemic, the aim of this study is to evaluate the importance and precaution of supplements and herbal products usage for immunity boosting during COVID-19 pandemic in Tirana region, Albania. According to the pharmacists, there is a wide range of supplements used during COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most used supplements in Albania during COVID-19 pandemic, was the combination of Vitamin C, Vitamin D3 direct and Zinc, a product from FORTEX nutraceuticals in the form of dispersible sachets for oral intake without water. Combinations of Vitamin D and Vitamin K are used also.
Based on these facts, vitamin D level was measured in a group of 2295 randomly chosen individuals, presented in the laboratory for routine analysis. Compared to the data from previous studies during the period from 2009-2010, where a mean value of 21.49 (± 7.6) ng/ml for vitamin D was observed, there is a slight increase in vitamin D concentration from 2019-2022, with a mean value of 24.14 (± 9.07) ng/ml. Regardless the extra care and supplements intake, the range varies from 8-67 ng/ml and the level of vitamin D insufficiency is still high in the population.
More than 87% of the individuals were taking supplements regularly, during COVID-19 pandemic. 57% of them were aware that interactions between supplements and medications could occur. The persons who were informed that interactions could occur were part of age group from 18-45 years old. About 21% of them approved that the pharmacist has always asked them about other medications or supplements they were administering in addition to those they buy to the pharmacy. Pharmacists recommend also taking medications and supplements at least an hour apart and to keep a diary about any side effects that come on along with supplements use. It is important to avoid using supplements that contain large amounts of ingredients too.

Keywords

COVID-19, food supplements, consumer awareness, vitamin D, herbal products

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