COVID-19 Effect on Dietary Supplements’ Consumption, Prophetic Medicine Practices and Herbs Use in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic influenced dietary supplements’ (DS) consumption and practices of traditional medicine. Aims: This cross-sectional study aimed to compare dietary supplements, Prophetic medicine (PM) and herbal/plants (H/P) use among adults in Saudi Arabia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: 1351 individuals participated in the study via an online survey shared on social media platforms between December 11th, 2021, and March 1st, 2022. The survey tool included 31 questions about sociodemographics, DS consumption, PM practices and H/P use, which the expert panel team validated. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were presented as numbers and percentages. P-value 05 and 95% confidence intervals were used to report the statistical significance based on gender and prior infection with the COVID-19. Results: The most common supplements consumed before the pandemic were Vitamin D (53.4%, n=358), Multivitamins (47.3%, n= 318), and Vitamin C (42%, n=282). This is along with the significant increase in the consumption of Multivitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin D, Zinc and Calciumduring the pandemic. Females are significantly (p < 0.001) more concerned in consuming DS and H/P and practice PM before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to males. Prior Covid-19 infection significantly impacted individuals’ perception about DS, H/P and PM uses and practices, information and beliefs in their role in preventing and controlling the disease (p< 0.05). Significant changes in weight status during the pandemic were reported. Conclusion: There was a significant increase in consumption of most dietary supplements and Prophetic medicine practices. The government should launch public awareness campaigns and employ regulations to educate about the risks and benefits of self-medicated Prophetic medicine practices and self-prescribed dietary supplements. Keywords: COVID19, Dietary supplements, Herbs/Plants, Prophetic medicine.

Perception and Knowledge of Students of Medical Colleges towards Dietary Supplements Use for Prevention andTreatment of COVID-19

“…This was consistent with previous studies conducted Saudi Arabia, that found a significant increase in DSs consumption among adult population during the Pandemic time. 8 DSs are used by many health professionals, including dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists. 8 and medical students were no exception.…”

“…8 DSs are used by many health professionals, including dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists. 8 and medical students were no exception.…”

“…Because of its potential link to COVID-19 incidence and importance to overall health. 8 Participants consumed zinc (10.1%), omega-3 (8.9%), vitamin B (7%), vitamin A (6.1%), vitamin C (5.4%), and calcium (4.9%).…”

A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Food Supplement Practices and the Relationship Between Anxiety and Interest in Nutrition in Adults During COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In the United Arab Emirates multivitamins (77.8%) were found to be the most commonly used FS during the COVID-19 pandemic [35]. In another study nerede?, it was determined that the most frequently used FS during the pandemic were vitamin C (87.6%), vitamin D (76.9%) and multivitamins (69.7%) [19]. Francis et al [36] found that 46.0% of adults used vitamin C, 10.8% used multivitamins and 8.6% used vitamin D supplements during the pandemic.…”

“…DiscussionFood Supplements Use and Pandemic An optimal diet can help improve overall health, reduce the risk of disease, and reduce the rate of morbidity associated with COVID-19[18]. It has been shown that the use of FS has increased in different countries during the COVID-19 pandemic [8,[19][20][21][22]. FS use before and during the pandemic were 29.5% and 71.9% in Asia, 21.3% and 75.7% in USA, 30.8% and 68.7% in Europe, and 21.3% and 62.2% in Turkey, respectively,[23], In the United Arab Emirates 56.5% of adults used FS during the COVID-19 pandemic period; 53.8% of them started to use FS with the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic[24].…”