OPINION AND ATTITUDES ON NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

The Faculty of Agromediterranean continues to publish interesting things related to various areas that are studied as part of the teaching process. Today’s topic is “Opinions and Attitudes About Dietary Supplements”.

This research is the result of research of second year students of the second cycle of studies, majoring in Ecology and Environmental Management in Agriculture under the mentorship of Professor doc.dr. Aide Šukalić.

As it is already known that the use of dietary supplements is becoming more common. Vitamins and minerals are mostly used, but also omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber and plant and animal extracts.

Research shows an association between healthy living habits and taking supplements. The main reasons for taking dietary supplements are stated to be maintaining and improving health, and meeting the daily recommended intake that they fail to ingest with food. Most often, taking dietary supplements is encouraged by advertising or advice from acquaintances, and much less often on the recommendation of experts. Many dietary supplements are purchased in pharmacies, so the role of pharmacists in counseling is important to help patients choose dietary supplements based on scientific evidence and actual needs. Due to the shortcomings of existing legislation, less valuable products that can be dangerous to health can be found on the market. Most consider dietary supplements completely safe. Due to wrong attitudes and insufficient knowledge, the role of the pharmacist becomes crucial. Only with expert supervision, dietary supplements will give the optimal result in its intended use for the user. Dietary supplements are taken orally, in defined doses, in the form of tablets, capsules, powder or liquid. They are added to the usual diet, but are not a significant source of energy and fluids. Most of them carry a health claim on the packaging or related promotional material. They can be divided into the following three categories: essential nutrients, non-essential nutrients, and natural products and extracts.

You can read more details about this research at the attached link.