KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF THE POPULATION REGARDING THE USE OF FOOD SUPPLEMENTS

Abstract

Introduction. The concept of dietary supplements emerged in the last two decades of the 20th century and was initially regulated in the United States after disputes between the FDA and manufacturers. These products are intended to supplement the diet, contain specifications for compliance with a balanced diet and are not drugs, but require strict regulations to ensure their safety.

Material and methods. The cross-sectional epidemiological study, conducted in 2023, included a representative survey for the general population of the Republic of Moldova, covering both rural and urban areas. The research used various methods, including historical, descriptive, sociological, mathematical and statistical analysis, and drew on the KAP methodology to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices related to dietary supplement consumption. A questionnaire structured in four sections, containing 34 questions, was developed. 423 respondents were interviewed in the study.

Results. The study sample included two age categories: 54.6% (231 people) were between 18 and 30 years old, and 45.4% (192 people) were between 31 and 60 years old. The majority of participants were female, representing 90.1% (381 people), compared to 9.9% (42 people) men. Out of 423 respondents, 41.67% mentioned vitamins and minerals as dietary supplements. While, 8.33% of the respondents included medicines in the food supplements category, and another 8.33% mentioned food products. In the survey, 74% of the respondents knew the composition of the food supplements they used, and 26% did not have this information. Respondents indicated various reasons for using food supplements: improving immunity (23.17%), increasing body resistance (22.22%), treatment (15.60%), beauty and personal care (14.18%), loss in weight (2.13%) and weight gain (1.89%). A small percentage uses them as a dessert (0.24%) or in the regular diet (1.18%), and 0.24% did not specify a reason. The question about the attitude towards dietary supplements revealed four main reasons for respondents' reluctance: 16.31% express concerns about the low effectiveness of supplements, 21.04% mention the lack of adequate scientific studies, 20.56% consider the cost too high, and 30.49% indicate a lack of knowledge about the benefits, risks and correct way to use supplements. The use of supplements instead of drugs is rare, only 4.3% of respondents stating that they do so. The majority, 76.6%, prefer conventional treatment, suggesting reliance on drugs or caution against self-medication. A percentage of 19.1% sometimes resort to supplements instead of drugs, possibly for minor or non-urgent situations.

Conclusions. The results of the study highlighted the desire of the respondents to adopt a healthy lifestyle, but the need for support and promotion, the diversity of attitudes towards dietary supplements and the need for educational initiatives to facilitate informed choices regarding diet and supplements.