5th Food Supplement and Nutrition Research Received Wide Media Coverage

As the Food Supplement and Nutrition Association, in July 2021, in cooperation with Nielsen, we conducted the 5th “Food Supplement Usage and Nutrition Habits Measurement” survey. So, what does the research say about consumers’ eating habits?

Due to the impact of the new type of coronavirus, one out of every two people who wanted to strengthen their immune system started using food supplements. The most preferred supplements were identified as vitamins D, B12, and C.

The Food Supplement and Nutrition Association (FSNA) conducted a survey in 12 provinces representing Turkey to determine the public’s use of food supplements and nutrition habits and to measure the public’s level of knowledge and perception on the subject. The results of the study, conducted in Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Adana, Bursa, Erzurum, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Malatya, Samsun, Trabzon, and Edirne, were compiled into a report.

Accordingly, looking at the last four periods, generally, six out of every ten people stated that they ate healthily, while the number of those who thought they ate healthily increased from 42% in the 18-24 age group to 74% in the 55 and over age group.

Women place importance on consuming both water and organic vegetables and fruits, while they are cautious about consuming packaged ready-to-eat foods.

On the other hand, it is seen that the level of concern about ordering food from outside decreased from 67% in May to 43% in July. Fruits rank first in snacks

The rate of those who stated that they eat two meals a day has been over 50% in the last four months. Participants listed their reasons for preferring two meals as not needing more, maintaining their weight, and not feeling hungry.

It was determined that four out of every ten people never skip breakfast and dinner.

Women, with 66%, stated that they eat snacks, with fruits ranking first at 79%.

In food consumption, the most attention is paid to “additives” in the content. Especially those in the 35-44 age group prefer products without additives. Doctors are trusted more than dietitians

The rate of visiting a dietitian and nutritionist in July was 17% for women and around 20% for the 25-34 age group.

Social media is cited as one of the most important sources for healthy eating, while it is observed that people trust doctors more than dietitians.

Doctors are the primary reference point for the use of food supplements, followed by pharmacists and then family, environment, and friends.

Pharmacies remained the most frequent points of purchase for these supplements, as in previous periods. Use of food supplements

In July, the proportion of those who considered food supplements as a food was 35%. The proportion of those who thought supplements were an intermediate product was 42%, and those who considered them as a medicine was 23%.

Those who considered food supplements as food were more in the 55 and over age group, those who considered them as medicine were more in the 18-24 age group, and those who considered them as an intermediate product were more in the 45-54 age group.

According to the research, the rate of those using food supplements in the last three months was determined to be 53%. Of these individuals, 88% took vitamins, followed by minerals and other nutrients.

Vitamins D, B12, and C were the most consumed food supplements, while the use of sports nutrition and weight control products increased in July compared to the previous period.

The main reason for choosing to use food supplements was to “strengthen the immune system,” while the most important reason for not using them was “high prices.”

31% of the participants stated that they considered taking food supplements as a part of their diet in the future. Omega-3 is the most preferred for children

According to the research, one out of every two people uses food supplements for their children.

Omega-3 (fish oil) ranked first among these supplements, while it was observed that those who did not use food supplements believed their children did not need them.

In the preference for food supplements, the absence of gluten was considered important. The impact of COVID-19 on the use of food supplements

The use of food supplements increased to 73% during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consumption of foods and regular nutrition were among the main measures taken to boost immunity.

Confidence in food supplements increased by 38% during the COVID-19 period. For those who expressed less confidence in supplements, the presence of counterfeit products, the belief that they have no benefits or effects, and the uncertainty of their content were the most significant reasons.

Action suggestions were also identified within the scope of the research. Accordingly, it was foreseen that food supplement manufacturers should pay attention to the additive criterion in food consumption and emphasize this issue in all promotional advertisements, packaging, and collaborations regarding the product content.