The pandemic does not stop the market for food supplements, which indeed is still growing. With 278 million packages sold in 2020 – which hypothetically divided over the entire population would correspond to more than 4 packages per person for every Italian – and with 3.8 billion euros in turnover, this sector is now established and expanding. These are some of the data that emerged from the VI survey on the Italian food supplement supply chain, conducted by the FederSalus Association. The health emergency has changed our daily life and, together with this, many of our habits, including those related to taking supplements.
Food supplements to prevent Covid? So far no proof of efficacy
by Giulia Masoero Regis
The data are presented today June 24 by FederSalus, the main contact for institutional and commercial organizations in the sector, during an online meeting. The pharmacy remains the central hub of purchases, but in the meantime the online market is growing. However, experts remember the need to avoid DIY and the importance of using these products under the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.
Covid, vitamins and maritime pine before the vaccine: the buffaloes run on the net
by Irma D’Aria
Sales of food supplements also grow in 2020, despite Covid-19, but with a slightly smaller increase compared to that recorded in the previous year. This slight decline is physiological, experts explain, and is probably largely linked to lockdowns and the emergency. Purchases took place in most cases – for 79% – in local pharmacies, which are confirmed as the preferred points of consumers for choosing products. 59% of the companies participating in the survey and selling supplements declared an increase in turnover linked to the sale of these products – which in total for Italy is equal to 3.8 billion euros – while in 2019 the declared increase it concerned 75% of companies.
Probiotics, a guide to understand what they are for and how to use them
by Claudia Carucci and Angela Nanni
According to survey data during the pandemic, the request for advice from the pharmacist on dietary supplements increased by 31%. “This is proof of how awareness is increasing on the importance of consulting with experts before taking supplements,” he points out. Germano Scarpa, President of FederSalus. “It being understood that in many cases their intake is appropriate and brings benefits for psycho-physical health, however, we must always remember that deciding to start taking one of these products on the basis of advice from family or friends or even advertising is a behavior to avoid “. In short, before starting to take them, it is always good to ask your doctor (general practitioner or specialist) or pharmacist for advice.
Supplements for males and females: are they really useful?
by Elisa Manacorda
“In the last year the demand for supplements to strengthen the immune system, let’s think for example of the integration of vitamin C ”, Scarpa explains,“ and also of supplements to relieve anxiety and stress and to favor a correct rhythm and good sleep quality. While it is the sale of probiotics dropped which are taken together with antibiotics “. This last element should not surprise us, given that this year the winter ailments and the flu epidemic were very limited and therefore also the prescription of antibiotics.
Dietary supplements to lose weight: when they don’t work
by Noemi Penna
“The pharmacy has established itself and is increasingly establishing itself as a point of reference for health for Italians”, adds President FederSalus, “also in the field of food supplements”. There is also a share of purchases that take place through other channels: 8% is linked to large-scale distribution (supermarkets) and drugstores, and a growing 5% is linked to e-commerce, online sales of pharmacies and parapharmacies. “The new technologies and digitization have represented an important support during the pandemic”, Scarpa comments, “in eliminating barriers and facilitating access to these products also and above all for the categories of people who had more difficulty moving around. “. Obviously, in this case too, caution is a must. “The recommendation remains to start taking new supplements on the advice of your doctor or pharmacist”, adds the expert, “and it is good, when buying online, to check the site and the characteristics of the products. If we are already hiring them, it is good that they are the same ones we use, also it is advisable to check the web page we are buying on, for example if it is a pharmacy or parapharmacy or if it is a company you can read the description on the site “. Another rule: it is better to avoid products at lower prices or much lower than those we buy at the pharmacy. “This is because even if they are the same – concludes Scarpa – the storage and distribution chain is long and in the case of a significantly lower cost, the product may not be of the same quality”.
Supplements: some aloe-based products banned in Europe
by Giulia Masoero Regis
.