Our lives have changed drastically the past couple of months which has undoubtedly had an effect on our lifestyle. Have we started eating healthier? Are we working out more or less than before? And what is the effect on the use of dietary supplements? You’ll find the awnsers in this article.
The Food Supplements & Health (IVG) Information Center in The Netherlands researched the changes in our lifestyle in recent months and conducted a survey among its visitors and social media followers. You can read the results below.
Healthy food
More than half of the participants indicated that they did not eat differently than before. 30% have changed their diet in a positive way, of which 71% eat more fruit and vegetables and 76% indicate that healthy nutrition is important, especially now. 13% started to eat unhealthier because the temptation to snack is much greater while being home.
Dietary supplements
A large group of respondents (84%) indicate that they use dietary supplements as a supplement to a healthy diet. 38% of this group started using other supplements in addition to their standard dietary supplements, and 11% used higher doses of supplements. For half of the respondents, nothing has changed in supplement use and only a few have started using less (3%).
The most commonly used supplements are vitamin D, magnesium, multivitamin and vitamin C. The reason for taking the nutritional supplements is mainly to support the immune system.
Sports
What about sports? One third of the participants did not exercise differently than they used to. 20% exercises more than before, compared to 45% who started exercising less. Finally, 36% indicate that they have generally started living a healthier life. Can we assume that a large part of the respondents already lived healthy? We sure hope so.