Senior citizens' Vitamin D supplements intake: Evidence from Denmark.

Abstract

Several public interventions have been designed in recent years to urge the intake of vitamin D supplements among the senior population to avoid the direct and indirect consequences associated with vitamin D deficiency. However, the effectiveness of these public campaigns remains quite limited. In an online survey, the current study investigates the attitudes towards vitamin D supplements intake and associated behaviours in a representative sample of Danish senior citizens (N=554), i.e., individuals aged 55 years and above. Approximately half of the sample reported taking vitamin D supplements in the preceding year. Furthermore, being male and having a positive perception of individuals' own health status increased the probability of being a non-user. Increasing confidence in the information provided by health authorities (such as medical doctors and pharmacies), is particularly critical for enhancing the likelihood of non-users to purchase vitamin D supplements. However, also encouraging the uptake of vitamin D supplements in specialized supermarkets with stands and promotions seems an appealing and practical solution to increase seniors' uptake of vitamin D supplements. The present study outlines the characteristics of the senior Danish non-users of vitamin D supplements. Additionally, the research provides information on the strategies that could be applied by public organizations to foster vitamin D supplements intake among this target segment of the population. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.