SUPLEMENTOS ALIMENTARES: FORMAS DE AQUISIÇÃO E PERCEÇÃO DA EFICÁCIA
SUPLEMENTOS ALIMENTARES: FORMAS DE AQUISIÇÃO E PERCEÇÃO DA EFICÁCIA
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.5892417094
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Palavras-chave: Suplementos alimentares, eficácia, aquisição
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Keywords: Dietary supplements, efficacy, acquisition
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Abstract: Introduction : There is a growing use of dietary supplements (DS) by the general population, without any restrictions on their acquisition, since they are available in different kind of places, like retail and distribution surfaces, health spaces and pharmacies. Its acquisition is made either on the advice of specialists, one´s own initiative or on the advice of friends and acquaintances. DS are often mistaken for medications, and medical involvement is uncommon. Its efficacy and safety depend on the quality of the product and the proper intake, which also condition possible interactions and adverse effects. Objective: To know the perception of the efficacy of DSs and to investigate its relationship with the type of counseling in the acquisition. Material and Methods: An original questionnaire was used to describe and validated by the authors, comprising eight categories of DS, placed online in March and April and addressed to the active population. The sample consisted of 134 individuals (62 men and 72 women) aged 16 to 57 years. Results: There was a significant association in four of the eight DS categories – vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and those used for weight loss, with the highest perception of efficacy occurring when the advice is given by specialists although, for all AS, the acquisition is mostly made on their own initiative or on the advice of acquaintances. Conclusion: Most consumers purchase SA on their own initiative or on the advice of an acquaintance, having a lower perception of their efficacy in these circumstances.
- Isabel Margarida Pinto da Silva Ribeiro
- Miguel Nuno Faria