Consumption of Nutritional Supplements for the Prevention of Covid-19: A Case Study in Kurdistan Province; [یک مطالعة موردی در استان کردستان:Covid- مصرف مکمل های مغذی جهت پیشگیری از 19] Publisher



Sadeghi S ; Bolbanabad A M ; Piroozi B ; Shokri A ; Ebrahimi K ; Mahmoodi H ; Asadi H ; Fattahi H ; Amirihosseini S ; Ahmadi R ; Zarei R ; Saeedi C
Source: Scientific Journal of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Published:2026

Abstract

Background and Aims: The use of vitamins and nutritional supplements has become increasingly popular as a means of boosting the immune system and combating contagious diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the use of nutritional supplements to strengthen the immune system and, consequently, to prevent COVID-19 in Kurdistan Province. Materials and Methods: The Delphi technique involved participants with diverse specializations, primarily in COVID-19, nutrition, and traditional medicine, as well as representatives from various community segments. This technique was used to identify a range of dietary supplements used for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. A questionnaire, including demographic questions and inquiries about nutritional supplement consumption over the previous month, was administered to assess the prevalence of nutritional supplement use. Single-variable and multivariable regression analyses were conducted at a significance level of P < 0.005 to determine the relationships between independent variables and the outcome variable. Results: The study included 2,974 participants, of whom 55% were male. Among the participants, 64% were under 35 years old, and 82% lived in families with four or fewer members. The prevalence of nutritional supplement consumption was 68.5%. The most commonly used supplements included vitamin D3 (57%), cinnamon (52%), garlic (40%), vitamin C (40%), ginger (36%), and lemon honey (37%). Regarding vegetable consumption, mint and carrot tops had the highest rates, at 26% each. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that several factors increased the likelihood of consuming nutritional supplements for COVID-19 prevention. These factors include being male (OR = 1.34), having a university education (OR = 1.39), belonging to high-income families (OR = 2.04), experiencing COVID- 19 symptoms (OR = 1.56), undergoing a COVID-19 test in the past month (OR = 1.34), and having an elderly individual in the family (OR = 1.29) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of nutritional supplement use for COVID-19 prevention is considerable, with more than two-thirds of individuals (68%) incorporating various types of nutritional supplements into their routine. The most popular supplements were vitamin D, vitamin C, cinnamon, garlic, and lemon honey. Given the community's strong inclination toward nutritional supplements and the wide availability of options, it is crucial to provide accurate information about their benefits and potential drawbacks. Directed studies should be conducted to clarify the impact of these supplements on the immune system. Furthermore, health authorities should be informed of the specific benefits and risks of each supplement, as this can inform an effective strategy for addressing the ongoing pandemic. © 2026 Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.