Awareness, Perception and Usage of Nutraceuticals in Indian Society

Abstract

During the last few decades, the demand for healthy food and beverages has increased and it is expected to continue increasing in the future. A Nutraceutical is defined as any substance that provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease. Its constituents are either of known therapeutic activity or contribute substantially to the therapeutic activity of a drug. This research study was dedicated towards a better understanding of nutraceuticals in terms of its awareness, perception and usage by the general public. The study also provided the opinion of clinicians on the same. Sample populations of 650 individuals and 50 clinicians were analyzed in the study. The consumers’ willingness towards nutraceuticals was explained through the following predictors- Age group, gender, health perception and occupation. Google forms platform was used to make the questionnaires and was distributed over social media. Data analysis was performed using Google Sheets (Pivot Tables) and Microsoft Excel (Power Query Editor tool). The data was compared and relationships were mapped among the various factors included in the study. The results conclusively depicted that factors like affordability and employment status played a role in the purchase of nutraceuticals. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in influencing consumers to opt for immunity boosting products and supplements. The study was also able to understand the various consumption patterns and opinions of respondents on the different nutraceutical products available in the market. The survey was observed to have increased public awareness in the sample population.