Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.32779/gf.8.5-6.1

Supplements, polypharmacy and drug-supplement interactions in older pharmacy users from continental Croatia

Natalija Brajković ; Holipharm d.o.o., Zagreb, Republika Hrvatska
Ines Banjari ; Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Prehrambeno-tehnološki fakultet, Republika Hrvatska *
Marina Ferenac Kiš ; Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Prehrambeno-tehnološki fakultet, Republika Hrvatska/Klinički bolnički centar Osijek, Klinički zavod za transfuzijsku medicinu, Republika Hrvatska
Jelena Balkić Widmann ; Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Prehrambeno-tehnološki fakultet, Republika Hrvatska/MeDietetic d.o.o., Osijek, Republika Hrvatska
Ljubica Vazdar ; Klinički bolnički centar Sestre milosrdnice, Klinika za tumore, Republika Hrvatska/Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Republika Hrvatska

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

The aim of this work was to assess the frequency of dietary supplement consumption among adults from continental Croatia. This observational study on 231 ad hoc pharmacy users, 69.3% women and 30.3% men, with 27.7% of study participants being 65+ years old. Dietary supplements are used by 51.1% of participants, most often vitamins and minerals (37.6%), probiotics (17.3%) and omega-3 fatty acids (15.6%). General health improvement was the main reason for their use (62.5%). Two-thirds (71.0%) have at least one health condition, most often hypertension (43.3%). Three or more medications are used by 42.0% of participants, but it is possible that polypharmacy is even more pronounced given the proportion of elderly population. Interactions drug-dietary supplement are identified among 27.3% of participants. The results clearly show a high frequency of consumption of various dietary supplements,
which, due to the use of a larger number of medications, increases the risk of adverse interactions, especially among people aged 65+.

Keywords

elderly population; dietary supplements; polypharmacy; interactions drug-dietary supplement.

Hrčak ID:

350244

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/350244

Publication date:

30.12.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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