Use of vitamin supplements in Finland

Nationwide interview studies have shown that the use of non-prescribed vitamin supplements in Finland increased during the late 1970s, whereas the use of prescribed vitamins and other non-prescribed medicines did not change. Non-prescribed vitamins were taken by 11% of adults 30 years of age or older during the 2 days before the interview, i.e. by 14% of the women and 8% of the men. Prescribed vitamins were used by only 1% of the men and women. Users of non-prescribed vitamins were those who had a high education, metropolitan residency and who reported psychiatric symptoms. Amongst men use was related to a healthy life-style but amongst women with somewhat less healthy behaviour. Prescribed vitamins were taken by the elderly, the chronically ill, those who reported psychiatric symptoms and poor health status. Health behaviour was not associated with the use of prescribed vitamins. Two types of use of vitamin supplements were found: one was related to medical need, and another was inversely related to the medical need for these preparations.