Background: An increase has been seen in the consumption of vitamin supplements over the last two decades in patients and the general population alike, owing to the treatment of deficiencies and the perceived benefits in health and general well-being. Objective: This study aims to offer an insight into trends of vitamin supplement consumption over a 15-year period, and a possible explanation of the differences in trends. Methods: The study was designed as secondary research, based on a collection of published data on the Serbian Drug Agency web page covering drug utilization and in articles published in medical journals data on the global prevalence of vitamin A, D, C, and B deficiency during the observation period, and on number of diseases associated with deficiency of each of the abovementioned vitamins. Results: There were significant differences in trends of utilization of vitamins during the observation period. While vitamin D showed a significant increasing trend of utilization during the whole observation period, the fixed combination of vitamin D and A showed a significant decreasing trend. In the same period, utilization of vitamins C and B remained almost constant, without any significant trend. Conclusion: While vitamin D utilization has increased significantly, suggesting heightened awareness and proactive health measures, the steady use of vitamin C, high variance of vitamin B utilization and the decrease in combined vitamin A and D usage suggest a more targeted and informed approach to vitamin supplementation.
Key words: vitamins, utilization trends, deficiency, factors associated.
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