Consumer Awareness and Perception on Mineral and Vitamin Supplements to Boost Immunity Against COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 have been widespread all over the world.  Mineral supplementation and Vitamin intake may help to reduce the severity of the common cold. This study determines the Knowledge, Attitude, And Practices of Consumers About Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation to boost immune system for COVID-19.  178 Participants who lived in the NCR Bubble particularly Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan., 18-years old and above were chosen by convenience sampling. To get the appropriate data needed, the researchers divided the questionnaire into 4 parts such as Demographics, Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices using likert scale. Descriptive analysis of frequencies and percentages for demographic characteristics, KAP assessment and likewert interpretation was applied. The respondents' knowledge, attitude, and practices toward micronutrient supplementation were evaluated. Results showed that the respondents have a very good understanding, belief, and practice of mineral supplementation and vitamin intake to boost the immune system.  Before the pandemic, 178 respondents did not take mineral supplements; nevertheless, 58 respondents (32.58 percent) took vitamins, and 117 respondents (65.73%) took both mineral and multivitamin supplements. On the other hand, 61 (34.27%) respondents took vitamins, while 120 (67.42%) respondents took both mineral and vitamin supplements during the pandemic. In addition, the intake of these supplements increased during pandemic. Self-willingness (28.65%) was the most common response to factors linked with mineral and vitamin consumption prior to the pandemic, whereas doctor's prescription was the most common response during the pandemic (44.94%). The level of micronutrient supplementation practiced by the respondents was also applied because they knew and believed that it could reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection.