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Khalifa AM, Alshammari ZD, Altamimi AA, Alshammari A. The Extent of the Use of Multivitamins and Multimineral Supplements Without Clinically Measurable Benefits Among Adults in Ha'il, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e38750. [PMID: 37303398 PMCID: PMC10248739 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multivitamins and multiminerals (MVMM) are nutritional supplements that contain a wide range of important nutrients. The use of vitamins and minerals has been showing a tremendous increase over the past few years due to the high demand for supplements to replenish nutritional deficiencies. Purpose This study aimed to assess MVMM usage, the reasons why people chose to use MVMM, and the factors related to this usage. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted on adults living in Ha'il, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected between October 31 and December 14, 2022, a self-administered online questionnaire was used, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). Results A total of 310 participants enrolled in the study, of which 240 (77.42%) were females and 70 (22.58%) were males. The extent of the use of MVMM supplements without clinically measurable benefits was more than half of the present study participants (58.71%). There was a significant difference between MVMM use and gender or employment status. MVMM usage on a regular basis was found to be associated with satisfaction with the outcomes. The majority of participants used MVMM to promote health. Calcium and vitamin D were found to be the most common types of dietary supplements used. Conclusion The use of MVMM supplements without clinically measurable benefits was more prevalent among females. It is important to promote public health awareness programs about the benefits and risks of overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany M Khalifa
- Parasitology, Alexandria University, Alex, EGY
- Pathology-Parasitology, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, SAU
| | | | - Afnan A Altamimi
- Medicine and Surgery, University of Ha'il College of Medicine, Ha'il, SAU
| | - Areeb Alshammari
- Medicine and Surgery, University of Ha'il College of Medicine, Ha'il, SAU
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Hafiz NM, El-Readi MZ, Esheba G, Althubiti M, Ayoub N, Alzahrani AR, Al-Ghamdi SS, Eid SY. The use of the nutritional supplements during the covid-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study. Complement Ther Med 2023; 72:102917. [PMID: 36632904 PMCID: PMC9827747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 causes moderate to severe illness and is spreading globally. During a pandemic, vitamins and minerals are vital to health. Therefore, the prevalence and epidemiology of supplement use in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic must be known. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia using an online survey. The study was conducted from June to March 2022 on both adults and children. The link to the survey was shared on social media platforms. The survey included questions on participants' demographics, vaccination status, supplements they used, and side effects of supplements. Participation in this study was optional, and there was no obligation to participate. There was a declaration about the aim of the study and different objectives before starting the survey. RESULTS The present study reported that most of the participants reported that they used vitamin C (64.6 %), zinc (51.9 %), multivitamins (46.1 %), black seeds (26.7 %), garlic (Allium sativum) (15.4 %), omega-3 (22.1 %), vitamin D (22.2 %), echinacea (10.1 %), manuka honey (26.0 %), curcumin (13.6 %), ginger (22.5 %), royal jelly (12.9 %), and propolis (7.5 %) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic period. These supplements were used more frequently by subjects during the pandemic than before. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The respondents' risk of these supplements' use may partially reflect the public's behavioral response during a pandemic. Future studies can document the health beliefs and motivations of nutritional supplement users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Mohammed Hafiz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia; Saudi Toxicology Society, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; Nahdi Medical Company, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Zaki El-Readi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assuit 71524, Egypt.
| | - Ghada Esheba
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Mohammad Althubiti
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahla Ayoub
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia; Saudi Toxicology Society, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah R Alzahrani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia; Saudi Toxicology Society, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed S Al-Ghamdi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia; Saudi Toxicology Society, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Safaa Yehia Eid
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia.
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Almegewly WH, Alenazi RB, Albaqami FM, Alkharashi RA, Alsaedi FA, Almutairi RK, Alkharji AA, Althani GM, Aljuwayd WA. Perceptions and Patterns of Dietary Supplements' Use during COVID-19 among Undergraduate Female Students in Saudi Arabia. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14183728. [PMID: 36145104 PMCID: PMC9506526 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of Dietary Supplements (DSs) has increased for health promotion purposes. Few data records were found on the safe use of DSs among university students in Saudi Arabia, during COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the perceptions and patterns of DSs during COVID-19 among students at a selected female university. (2) Methods: A descriptive cross-section design was used. A convenient sample of undergraduate students (n = 651) were recruited via email, to fill in an online validated questionnaire: The nutrition and intake of DSs during COVID-19. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. (3) Results: Among the 509 students who did not have chronic diseases, 85% of them had taken DSs. About 35.5% of the students had not changed their dietary habits since the beginning of COVID-19, but 78.6% thought that they needed to improve their immunity by taking DSs. Half of the students 51.2% believed that healthy habits may reduce the chance of being infected with COVID-19. The most used DSs were vitamin C (84.3%), followed by honey (65.3%), and vitamin D (47.7%). At the top of students’ references for DSs was personal judgment or previous knowledge of the benefits (27.3%). (4) Conclusion: The usage and patterns of DSs were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking DSs without a doctor’s prescription may lead to several complications. DSs users should be educated effectively about the proper use of DSs as an external supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Hamad Almegewly
- Department of Community Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
| | - Rimah Bader Alenazi
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fayhaa Mohammed Albaqami
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fatimah Abdulrhman Alsaedi
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Khalaf Almutairi
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alhanouf Abdullah Alkharji
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadeer Mohammed Althani
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafa Abdullah Aljuwayd
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
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Factors That Influence the Use of Dietary Supplements among the Students of Wroclaw Medical University in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127485. [PMID: 35742733 PMCID: PMC9224475 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background and aim: The use of dietary supplements (DS) and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is increasing every year. The COVID-19 pandemic might additionally influence the use of such preparations. The study aimed to investigate factors influencing the use of dietary supplements (DS), including stress-relieving supplements, by the students. Methods: In the cross-sectional study, 624 students of the Wroclaw Medical University in Poland, from the second to the last year of studies, completed the anonymous questionnaire, consisting of 22 items, about the use of DS/OTC drugs during the academic year 2020/2021. Obtained data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test, the U-Mann Whitney test, the Kruskal–Wallis test with the post-hoc analysis, and with logistic regression. Results: About 70% of students declared the use of any DS, 33% used DS for stress, anxiety, depression, or sleeping problems, and 59% used other DS. The most important factors influencing the decision to take any kind of DS were Division (p = 0.0001, odds ratio [OR]: 0.35, and confidence interval [CI]: 0.21–0.59), a self-estimated level of stress (p = 0.014, OR: 1.13, CI: 1.03–1.25), and self-estimated level of knowledge about DS (p = 0.0000, OR: 1.31, CI: 1.19–1.36). In the case of students taking DS for stress, anxiety, depression, or sleeping problems, the level of stress and the declared knowledge had the greatest impact on the decision for such a use of DS (p = 0.0001, OD: 1.24, CI: 1.11–1.39 and p = 0.0000, OD: 1.35, CI: 1.22–1.5, respectively). The COVID-19 pandemic did not change the pattern of DS/OTC drug usage in about 33% of students. Those who started taking DS during the pandemic accounted for 19% of all students. Conclusions: The use of DS is common among Wroclaw Medical University students with some differences between subgroups of respondents. Additionally, despite declared good knowledge about DS, most students declare the need to learn more about them.
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Mukattash TL, Alkhalidy H, Alzu'bi B, Abu-Farha R, Itani R, Karout S, Khojah HMJ, Khdour M, El-Dahiyat F, Jarab A. Dietary supplements intake during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic: A multinational Middle Eastern study. Eur J Integr Med 2022; 49:102102. [PMID: 35039757 PMCID: PMC8754456 DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2022.102102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Despite the controversy about the benefits of dietary supplements in treating or preventing COVID-19, their use has increased worldwide even with the introduction of relevant vaccines. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the perception of the Middle Eastern Arab public of dietary supplements as prophylactic or therapeutic agents against COVID-19, and their consumption during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A validated, pilot tested online survey was distributed through social networking platforms in Lebanon, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. Responses underwent various statistical analyses. Results A total of 2,100 responses were included. Around 44% of participants reported changes in their dietary behavior during COVID-19, and 70% believed that healthy habits may prevent the infection. Moreover, 21% believed that dietary supplements surely protect against COVID-19 and 45% thought they aid in treating it. Users of supplements during the second wave of the pandemic counted for 47%, who declared they were influenced by the media, healthcare providers, or close contacts. Most used supplements included Vitamins C and D and zinc. Only 34% of participants read supplement leaflets. The use of supplements was significantly correlated with being female and exercising, as revealed by the odds ratio and logistic regression analysis. Conclusions In line with other areas of the world, the use of dietary supplements in the Middle East against COVID-19 is not evidence-based. Competent health authorities should play their role in spreading sound awareness among the public regarding this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tareq L Mukattash
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 3030, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hana Alkhalidy
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 3030, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Buthaina Alzu'bi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 3030, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Rana Abu-Farha
- Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rania Itani
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020, Riad El Solh, 1107 2809, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samar Karout
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020, Riad El Solh, 1107 2809, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hani M J Khojah
- Department of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, P.O. Box: 30051, 41477, Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Maher Khdour
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Faris El-Dahiyat
- Clinical Pharmacy Program, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University, P. O. Box 64141, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anan Jarab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 3030, Irbid, Jordan
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Radwan H, Hasan H, Jaafar Z, Abbas N, Rashed Saif E, Al Kitbi M, Al Hilali M, Naja F. Diets and dietary supplements used during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional survey. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:421-432. [PMID: 35125904 PMCID: PMC8800157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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