Caracterização de hábitos de compra de suplementos alimentares pela Internet

Abstract

Through the bibliographic survey of previous studies, it is possible to verify that the taking of food supplements has increased exponentially in recent years, pointing to a continuity in its growth since this type of product can meet the diverse needs of the population according to their age group. This high consumption, and since the internet is increasingly a means of purchasing products by the population, meant that food supplements were increasingly acquired through this route. This study aims to determine and characterize the habits of purchasing food supplements over the internet, through a cross-sectional exploratory study, using a survey disseminated through digital platforms. It was found that the prevalence of consumers of dietary supplements is increasing across the different age groups of the population, however with a higher incidence in women and younger individuals. The type of food supplements most purchased via the internet are proteins, vitamins and minerals, the latter two being the most consumed by the population. Most of the participants reported that, before purchasing, advice was given to the brand's websites or by health professionals and identified the fear of customs difficulties and the credibility of the information provided as the greatest difficulties experienced when purchasing via the internet. The use of dietary supplements in Portugal has enormous potential in terms of improving public health, namely because there is more and more information, however this same information needs to be increasingly studied, framed, and controlled by health professionals and by competent authorities, since accessibility to this type of product is greatly facilitated.

Date of Award	2021
Original language	Portuguese
Supervisor	Ana Sofia Gregório Fernandes (Supervisor) & João Pedro Bernardo Gregório (Supervisor)