Usage of nutritional supplements to improve immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online survey

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Proper nutrition to optimise immune function is mandatory as at present there is no specific medicine to cure COVID-19. Our study aimed to investigate the use of nutritional supplements and their key immunity enhancing components among Sri Lankans. METHODS: This current study was an online survey conducted during the period from 27(th) May to 2(nd) June 2021 disseminated via various social media platforms. Details were collected on highlighting the frequency and composition of nutritional supplements consumed. RESULTS: In a total of 3707 responders, a proportion of 25.5% (944) of the participants took supplements regularly, and 32.6% (1210), 14.5% (538), 27.4% (1015) intake were occasionally, rarely and never respectively. Older participants (>40 years of age) had a significantly higher intake of supplements than the younger counterpart of 31–35 years age group (OR: 0.604; 95% CI, 0.451–0.809; p < 0.001). Almost half (46.0%) took vitamin C supplements and females tend to take more (OR: 1.325; 95% CI, 1.120–1.567; p < 0.001) of vitamin C when compared to males. Comparatively to the other groups regarding monthly income, the participants with the highest income category are more likely to take vitamin D (OR:1.899; 95% CI, 1.034–3.490; p = 0.039) and multivitamin (OR: 3.222; 95% CI, 1.737–5.977; p < 0.001). The most commonly used main ingredient in home-made remedy was coriander in Sri Lanka. CONCLUSION: The use of nutritional supplements and natural products to improve immunity during the pandemic were frequent among Sri Lankan adults. In general, older, female gender and high income was significantly associated with increased intake of the nutrient supplements.