Multivitamin- Multimineral (MVMM) Use Among Saudi Adults In Al-Majmah, Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and associated Factors

Introduction: A nutritious diet is essential for sustaining good health and preventing illness. Globally, billions of people take dietary supplements like Multivitamin-Multimineral (MVMM) preparations to improve their health, prevent diseases, or fill vitamin and mineral shortages. This current study was carried out to determine the prevalence and characteristics of Multivitamin- Multimineral (MVMM) use among Saudi populations in Al-Majmaah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study as conducted in Majmah, Saudi Arabia, where all adults age above 18 years old were enrolled in this study, data was collected by using properly designed an online survey and collected data, was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 24). Results: The study included 347 participants, of whom about 55% were male and 45% were female adults. Most of participants did not follow any special diets behavior, 34% had vegetables and fruits regularly and only 20% had regular physical activity. About 47% of participants (Male 46.3% and Female 53.7%, p-value .001 significant statistical relationship between genders) used vitamins and minerals in their daily life, for those who using these products, about 51% used multiple vitamins and minerals, 42% used Vit D, 7% used Folic Acid, 7% used Ferrous, 5% used Vit B and 5% used other vitamins or minerals. About 47% of participants used it daily and 34% on weekly basis. Our study found a significant statistical relationship between, age group (18-28 years; 53.7%, 29-39; 16.5%, 40-50; 26.8% and more than 50; 3.0%; p-value .009 significant statistical relationship between age groups) marital status (Married; 45.7%, Single; 45.7%, Divorced; 2.4%, Widowed; 0.6%; p-value .000 highly significant statistical relationship between marital status groups), while there was no statistical relationship between educational level groups with p-value >0.05. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of MVMM use among the general population in Saudi Arabia, reporting a significant statistical relationship with gender, age group and marital status. Most participants (more than two-thirds) thought that MVMM supplements were used to enhance health. They obtained MVMM directly from the pharmacy without a prescription, as part of a hospital prescription. These findings show the need for greater awareness on the importance of balanced nutrition and physical exercise, in addition to supplement use, in improving general well-being in the Saudi population. The study’s findings are intriguing but have limitations. Its online survey approach and Al-Majmaah City restriction could have introduced bias. Therefore, a broad population and more comprehensive methodological approaches might be used in future research.