Background: The consumption of food supplements is increasing. This evolution is due to several factors, including nutritional deficiencies in the population, a sedentary lifestyle, and a decrease in physical activity. In addition, stress and an active lifestyle led to several dysfunctions (fatigue, deconcentration) that food supplements can help to overcome.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the profiles of food supplement consumers in the Fes-Meknes region (Morocco), distribution, and production of these products. In addition, this survey aimed to evaluate consumers' knowledge of food supplements as part of their self-medication.
Material and methods: The present study was conducted in the form of a survey using a questionnaire composed of two parts. The first part provides information on the socio-demographic status of respondents, including gender, age, and level of education. The second part concerned various information on the consumption of food supplements.
Results: The results obtained showed that of the 498 subjects, 68.88% declared that they had already consumed the food supplements. The study revealed the predominance of the female gender at 69.68% and the age group 21-30 years (80.32%). Among the reasons for consumption, improving general health comes first with 56.29%. Our results also showed high consumption of vitamins (44.04%) and minerals (24.79%), next come proteins and plant extracts at 16.62% and 14.54% respectively. The consumption of food supplements is most often done on the advice of a doctor or dietician with 43.60%, and the pharmacy and para-pharmacy remains the main distribution channel at 75.78%.
Conclusion: The present survey allowed us to update the current situation of food supplement consumption and a way of regulatory monitoring and more control for an organization of the sector.
Keywords: consumption; food supplements; health; minerals; self-medication; vitamins.
National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute.