CONSUMERS> ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS REGARDING DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

In recent years, awareness on balanced and adequate nutrition has increased and this has increased the demand for nutritional supplements. This study aims to determine subjects such as the demographic features of dietary supplement consumers, recognition level of these products, usage reasons, and from where they are obtained. This study has been done by conducting face to face questionnaires with 270 people who live in Süleymanpaşa, Tekirdağ. As a result of this study, consumers of dietary supplements indicated that they did not find these products dangerous, used them upon doctor’s advice, read the prospectus before using, and felt themselves healthier. It was also seen that they used iron (8%) on a regular basis, took vitamin C and Multivitamins from time to time, and that recognition and usage of glucosamine is extremely low. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in the world and is more common in women than in men. The results showed that women consume iron more and more regularly than men.