Multivitamin and Mineral Supplements Knowledge, Attitude, and Use in Iraq

Abstract

Use of dietary supplements especially multivitamins is increasingly common in Iraq the study. The study aims to assess multivitamin supplement knowledge, attitude, and use in Iraqi people.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Iraq, Baghdad. An electronic cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Iraqi population from first of July 2022 to the tenth of September 2022. About 533 persons participated in this study.

From total a 67.4% female with participant age ranging from 18 - ≥ 65 years 75.8% of them between 18-30 years old. Most of them were educated 88.9% finishing college. Moreover 61.4% were students, 79.9% took vitamin supplement in the past, 94.6% consider taking vitamins to be helpful for his health, 70.7% prescribed by physician, 50.5% knowing side effects or interactions of vitamin supplements, 46.9% take their supplement once daily in addition to 57% relied on the physician by taking vitamins or various nutritional supplements, 67.72% take it to compensate deficiency while 43.52% take it as health maintenance.

This survey highlights that the multivitamin supplements are commonly taken on a daily basis. Half of participants are unaware of any possible side effects or drug supplement interactions. Continued efforts should be encouraging to monitor multivitamins behavior and use to improve awareness of people regarding their correct use.