engleski

The analysis of prenatal supplements on the Croatian and Polish market,

A properly balanced diet provides nutrients the human body needs to function. During pregnancy it is difficult to obtain the desired macro and micronutrients supply only from food, and supplementation is recommended. Excessive intakes of prenatal supplements are of no safety concern since nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy can have devastating long-term consequences. Pregnant women take supplements at large (in Croatia around 80% and in Poland around 70%), nonetheless their diet is poor as in the general population, precaution is necessary. The purpose of the research was to compare the types and composition of dietary supplements (DS) for pregnant women available in the Polish (PL) and Croatian (CR) markets, comparing the content of selected ingredients with the recommended nutritional intakes for European population, alongside analyzing possible negative effects. The survey conducted in July 2022 evaluated supplements labeled "for pregnant women", excluding products containing only folic acid (FA) as an active ingredient. 60 supplements were sold in Poland, while 35 were in Croatia, with three mutual products available in both countries. Product prices ranged from 3, 82 to 59, 00 euros (median 8, 36 euros) for Poland and from 6, 20 to 64, 88 euros (median 18, 58 euros) for Croatia, respectively. Focusing on the content of FA in supplements, 18 products do not have FA in their composition. Following the conducted evaluation: 2 DS with 1 g of FA (Croatia), 6 with 800 μg (4 from Croatia), 2 with 600 μg (Poland), one 540 μg (Poland), and 4 with 500 μg (3 from Croatia) and 49 have 400 μg of FA, 12 less than 400 μg. The basic form of FA contains 62 products (31 of PL and 31 of CR) however 19 of PL and 4 of CR contain additionally metapholates. Many supplements contain ingredients that can be easily delivered with a regular meal (e.g. Vitamin C) or are a vitamin bomb whose consumption will mostly not be justified. All analyzed supplements contain the recommended active form of FA. The market for supplements is growing. Proper education regarding women's body needs and the influence of selected nutrients can ensure proper supplementation before and during pregnancy.

pregnancy ; supplements ; market analysis ; Poland ; Croatia

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