Frequency of Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements Use among Iraqi People in Baghdad City

Authors

  • Aisha Muthanna Shanshal Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Rafidain University College, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9079-032X
  • Raghda Hisham Aljorani Department of Basic and Allied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Rafidain University College, Baghdad, Iraq
  • Reema Naeel Taha Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Rafidain University College
  • Ahmed Mohamed Hussein Al-Rafidain University College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v4i.104

Keywords:

Dietary supplements, Vitamins, Essential elements, Iraqi people, Consumption pattern

Abstract

Background: Dietary supplements are used to provide the body with nutrients necessary for the regulation of metabolic processes, to increase the nutritional value of a typical diet, and to enhance or maintain health. Aim: To assess the use frequency and demographics of dietary supplements consumers in Baghdad, Iraq. Method: From July to September 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing a self-administered survey to consumers attending community pharmacies in the Baghdad metropolitan area. About 150 participants took part in this investigation. Results: The study revealed that the majority of participants were female, constituting 58% of the total, while male subjects constituted 42% of the total. 16% of the subjects were taking multivitamins, with vitamin D3 being the most popular supplement (22.7%). Only 40% of all respondents relied on their physician's advice when using dietary supplements. 73.3% of them did not conduct any laboratory tests before or after ingesting these supplements. Conclusion: Significant numbers of users used calcium and vitamin D3 without obtaining lab results or being monitored by a physician; instead, they consulted the internet for information.

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Author Biographies

Raghda Hisham Aljorani, Department of Basic and Allied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Rafidain University College, Baghdad, Iraq

 

 

Ahmed Mohamed Hussein, Al-Rafidain University College

 

 

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Published

2023-03-24

How to Cite

Shanshal, A. M., Aljorani, R. H., Taha, R. N., & Hussein, A. M. (2023). Frequency of Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements Use among Iraqi People in Baghdad City. Al-Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences ( ISSN 2789-3219 ), 4, 44–49. https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v4i.104

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