Verwendung von Nahrungsergänzungsmitteln mit Vitaminen und Mineralstoffen - Ergebnisse einer deutschlandweiten Verbraucherbefragung

authored by

M. Heinemann, J. Willers, N. Bitterlich, Andreas Hahn

Abstract

In Germany, 18–50 [%] of adults use nutrient supplements on a regular basis [[]Schwab et al. (J Nutr Health Aging 1–10, 2013); MRI (Nationale Verzehrsstudie II Ergebnisteil 2, 2008); Reinert et al. (Eur J Nutr 46:165–173, 2007); Bodenbach and Weinkauf (Z Ernährungswiss 36:57–58, 1997)]. The official prevalence data varies depending on issue, target group, region, and year. As published by the National Nutrition Survey II in 2008, around 28 [%] of respondents rely on supplements (MRI 2008). Therefore, the aim of this survey was to obtain detailed data on the use of dietary supplements in adults. In particular, consumer behavior, typical motives for the use of dietary supplements as well as the type and frequency of multiple applications should be recognized. The focus was solely on dietary supplements, supplemental balanced diet or other dietary foods which are all classified regulatory as food. Of interest were also the exact composition of the products and their sources. We analyzed face-to-face interviews and online surveys of 1,070 supplement users (59.2 [%] women, 40.8 [%] men) aged 18–93 years (55 ± 14.9 years). Among the respondents, 88.6 [%] only used one or two products, and less than 2 [%] of all respondents used more than four products. More than two-thirds of respondents consumed the supplements regularly throughout the year. 43.9 [%] used the products for a maximum of 1 year, 6 [%] for more than 10 years. The majority of respondents mentioned health associated motives for supplement use. 86 [%] of the respondents claimed to follow the instructions on the packaging, 93 [%] were aware of the potential risks of excessive intake. The most frequent supplements consumed were magnesium products, followed by Calcium and multivitamin products. Biggest suppliers were grocery and drugstores, but also multi-level marketing and direct sales played a relevant role.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Nutrition Physiology and Human Nutrition Section

External Organisation(s)

Medicine and Service Ltd

Type

Article

Journal

Journal fur Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit

Volume

10

Pages

131-142

No. of pages

12

ISSN

1661-5751

Publication date

06.2015

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Biotechnology, Food Science, Food Animals, Agronomy and Crop Science

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00003-014-0912-x (Access: Closed)