Vitamin D supplement use in Egypt and Jordan and associated factors: A survey-based study

The use of vitamin supplements is widespread throughout the world. In the Middle East, vitamin D deficiency is common. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence of vitamin D supplement use and associated factors among Egyptians and Jordanians. In addition, practices for maintaining adequate vitamin D levels were investigated. The study was cross-sectional and included 1,181 subjects from Jordan and Egypt. Participant recruitment was conducted from April to October 2024. The results showed that approximately one-third of the sample (36.7%) were using vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D supplementation was more prevalent among Jordanians (45.2%) than Egyptians (27.2%, P < 0.01). Factors influencing vitamin D supplement use included female gender, high income, chronic disease, laboratory testing for vitamin D, and awareness of deficiency symptoms. Among the practices participants used to maintain adequate vitamin D levels were sun exposure (84.6%), consuming vitamin D-rich foods (79.6%), regularly monitoring the blood vitamin D levels (49.5%), and using vitamin D supplements (36.7%). The internet, university/school curricula, and healthcare providers were the main sources of information related to vitamin D. In conclusion, vitamin D supplementation is common among study participants and is associated with several factors. The study findings can inform interventions aimed at managing vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in the region.