Vitamins (lat. Vita – life) are low-molecular organic compounds that make an active part of many enzymes or are starting substances for the synthesis of hormones. What is behind the complex definition of vitamins? The importance of certain types of food for preventing certain diseases has been known since antiquity. The first works that studied the role of nutrition in maintaining health appeared back in the XIV century. Vitamins were discovered by scientists in the early XX century. At different times, different amounts of substances were considered vitamins; as of mid-2018, there are 13 known vitamins.
The XX century was not only the century of the discovery of vitamins, but also the time of research, experiments, and arguments for and against taking vitamins. By now, the researchers and doctors have reached an agreement while the public still shares many myths about vitamins. ACT Kazakhstan has questioned the Almaty residents about some popular myths about vitamin and the habits of vitamin consumption. We are publishing the results of our survey during the period of spring vitamin deficiency.
17% of the respondents have never taken vitamins. All other respondents have taken vitamins in the periods of immunity weakening – during viral diseases, after illnesses, at signs of vitamin deficiency. 30% of the respondents take vitamins only by medical prescription. About a third of the respondents (28%) buy and take vitamins both by medical prescription and by their own decision. At that, 40% of Almaty residents make their own decisions about taking vitamins.
The next question on the way the decision to choose/buy vitamins and vitamin complexes is made revealed that about 45% of Almaty residents buy the vitamins and vitamin complexes prescribed by a doctor. Apart from that, when choosing vitamins, Almaty residents rely on the information available on the Internet (42%), listen to the recommendations of their familiarity (25%), or consult pharmacists in a drug store (18%).
Our survey returned the following answers to the statements provided below:
- One can take vitamin complexes at any time of the year – 81%
- All vitamins are available from a balanced diet – 76%
- You can accumulate vitamins if you eat a lot of berries, fruits, and vegetables in the summer – 49%
- All vitamin complexes sold in pharmacies pass serious efficacy tests – 44%
- Only sick people need vitamins; a healthy person does not need them – 13%
The survey was conducted in September 2019 among the population of the Almaty on a sample representing the city population. The age- and gender-related quotas corresponded to the data of the Statistical Committee MNE RK. The survey was conducted by phone interviews. The sample included 415 respondents. The sampling error does not exceed 4.8%, CI = 95%. The use of the materials is permitted with the obligatory mention of the author of the survey.
