Consumption of Dietary Supplements among Working-Age Residents of Lithuania in the Period from 2021 to 2023

Medicina (Kaunas). 2024 Apr 19;60(4):669. doi: 10.3390/medicina60040669.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) among working-age residents of Lithuania from 2021 to 2023 with respect to social and demographic factors and an assessment of personal health. Materials and Methods: Using stratified sampling techniques, this study included three samples of working-age residents (1600 each year, 4800 total). Three surveys were conducted, the distribution of the respondents between groups was compared using the χ2 test. Results: The consumption of DS significantly differed each year and accounted for 78.1%, 71.6%, and 72.7% of the respondents, respectively (p < 0.05). In 2022, the prevalence of the consumption of DS was lower in the majority of social and demographic groups (p < 0.05). In 2023, it was higher among females, younger residents, and those from larger families, who suffered from COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Despite similar changes found in the consumption of DS among those who negatively assessed their health, this group showed more prevalent consumption of DS among residents with non-university education, unemployed respondents, and those with lower income (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Despite a significantly lower prevalence in the consumption of DS in 2022, it was higher again in 2023. The assessment of personal health shows different habits in the consumption of DS.

Keywords: Lithuania; adults; dietary supplements; health assessment; working-age.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Dietary Supplements* / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lithuania
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.