ASSESSMENT OF THE POPULATION'S HEALTH LITERACY AND THE CULTURE OF NUTRACEUTICAL CONSUMPTION. LITERATURE REVIEW
Background: In the current healthcare context, the level of health literacy and the culture of nutraceutical consumption among the population acquire particular importance. The widespread use of nutraceuticals such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and plant-based components contributes to the formation of public perceptions regarding their safety and universality. However, in practice, there is a tendency toward uncontrolled and unjustified use of nutraceuticals without considering individual needs and without prior medical diagnosis. This situation is further complicated by a low level of health literacy, which hampers critical evaluation of health information and increases the risks of self-medication.
Objective: To assess the level of health literacy of the population in the use of nutraceuticals.
Methods: Relevant literature was identified through searches in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CyberLeninka, and Google Scholar databases. The search covered publications up to January 2025 using the keywords: "health literacy," "nutraceuticals," "population health," and "consumption culture." A total of 263 sources in both English and Russian were found. Eighty publications were selected for analysis.
Results: The article addresses the issue of low health literacy and the uncontrolled consumption of nutraceuticals, particularly among at-risk groups, alongside the high level of adherence to nutraceutical use in European and Asian countries. People with higher education tend to have a greater demand for nutraceuticals compared to those with lower educational levels. A high level of education is also associated with higher health literacy. However, as noted by several researchers, the widespread availability of information and high trust in online sources often lead to the uncontrolled intake of dietary supplements and other nutraceutical products without consulting healthcare professionals. This approach may have potentially negative consequences for public health, including risks of overdose, adverse interactions with medications, and the development of side effects. Thus, a high level of literacy and public awareness does not always correlate with a rational approach to nutraceutical use, which requires additional attention from healthcare systems and regulatory bodies. It is necessary to promote increased interest in healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and well-being maintenance through the rational consumption of nutraceuticals.
Conclusions: This review emphasizes that the low level of health literacy, particularly concerning the uncontrolled consumption of nutraceuticals, represents a significant risk factor for public health. The findings confirm the need to improve public awareness and promote educational programs, which are considered effective strategies to reduce self-medication, strengthen health, and, in the long term, reduce the burden on healthcare systems and improve quality of life indicators
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Ordabaeva I.N., Shaltynov A.T., Abenova M.B., Kairatova A.K., Baibussinova A.Zh. Assessment of the Population’s Health Literacy and the Culture of Nutraceutical Consumption. Literature review // Nauka i Zdravookhranenie [Science & Healthcare]. 2025. Vol.27 (5), pp. 27 (5), P. 251-260. doi 10.34689/SH.2025.27.5.029Ұқсас жариялымдар:
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