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Azhar W, Al-Otaibi K, Abusudah WF, Azzeh F, Qhadi A, Alhassani WE, Almohmadi NH, Bushnaq T, Tashkandi B, Alharbi NA, Babteen A, Ghabashi M, Kamfar Y, Ghafouri K. The consumption of dietary supplements in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:101779. [PMID: 37746046 PMCID: PMC10514549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives People frequently utilize dietary supplements (DS), notably during the COVID-19 epidemic, despite the lack of data supporting their usefulness and safety in enhancing general health. This study aimed to measure the consumption of DS in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19. Previous studies focused on using dietary supplements for preventing or reducing mental health. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1572 participants aged 18-65, from all-over Saudi Arabia who were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire to measure the consumption of supplements during the pandemic lockdown period. Also, it investigates the factor that effect supplements consumption. Results Around 63% of the participants did not change their consumption patterns during the pandemic, while 16% consumed more and 21.4% consumed fewer supplements during the pandemic. The most commonly used supplements were iron; calcium, especially among pregnant women; omega-3, especially in people older than 65 years; and vitamin D. Females (81%; P < 0.002); age (94.7%; P < 0.002); married people (84%; P < 0.001); those with a higher educational level (83.9%; P = 0.02); those with a higher monthly income (86.1%; P = 0.006); and pregnant women (100%; P < 0.007) reported the highest rates of consumption. Conclusion Dietary supplements have recently become popular in Saudi Arabia, but large differences remain between Saudis in their consumption of supplements. Additional research should be conducted to examine the level of knowledge of dietary supplements among Saudi population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wedad Azhar
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kholod Al-Otaibi
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafaa F. Abusudah
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Firas Azzeh
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Qhadi
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walaa E. Alhassani
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Najlaa H. Almohmadi
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taqwa Bushnaq
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bayan Tashkandi
- Food and Nutrition Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf Abdullah Alharbi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Northern Border University, P.O. Box 1321, Arar 91431, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abrar Babteen
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Ghabashi
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yara Kamfar
- Pharamcy Department, King Abdullah Medical City, P.O. Box 57657, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khloud Ghafouri
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Azhar W, Aljabiri S, Bushnaq T, Azzeh FS, Alyamani RA, Alkholy SO, Alhassani WE, Abusudah WF, Qadhi A, Bukhari HM, Bakr EH, Ghafouri K. Knowledge, attitudes, and factors associated with vegetarianism in the Saudi Population. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:688. [PMID: 37046300 PMCID: PMC10100114 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15636-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, there has been great interest in the dietary practices of vegetarians in addition to an increasing awareness of the potential benefits of vegetarian diets. However, there are insufficient data on the spread of vegetarianism in Arab countries. The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge and attitudes about vegetarianism and associated factors in the Saudi population and to understand the reasons for its growing prevalence. METHOD This is a cross-sectional study began in May 2020 and ended in September 2020. Researchers distributed the questionnaire electronically through social media. Data were collected electronically and exported to Excel by the researchers .The electronic questionnaire comprised three sections: sociodemographic questions, reasons for following a vegetarian diet, and beliefs and knowledge about vegetarianism. RESULTS There were 3,035 responses, of which 80.2% of respondents were female and 19.8% were male. Participant were aged 18-65. Vegetarians represented 37.5% (15.7% semivegetarians, 8.1% pescovegetarians, 64.3% lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and 11.3% vegans), and the rest were nonvegetarians. The majority of the vegetarian participants (92.9%) had a low vegetarianism knowledge level. Health issues, followed by ethical and environmental concerns, were the most common motivators for adopting a vegetarian diet; these reasons were cited by 72.5%, 59.3%, and 47.9% of participants, respectively. Factors associated with increased vegetarianism were engaging in exercise for half an hour to two hours, while factors associated with decreased vegetarianism were male, aged 51-64 years, being married, having a higher education, working in the health sector, being a housewife, and having an income between 5,000 and 10,000 SR/month. CONCLUSION Vegetarianism appears to be a growing phenomenon among the Saudi population. Increased awareness of health issues and the desire to live a healthy lifestyle might be the strongest motives. This study offers an opportunity to better understand vegetarianism in Saudi Arabia along with the possibility of expanding vegetarian food choices for the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wedad Azhar
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sanaa Aljabiri
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taqwa Bushnaq
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Firas S Azzeh
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reema A Alyamani
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah O Alkholy
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walaa E Alhassani
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafaa F Abusudah
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Qadhi
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan M Bukhari
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elsayed H Bakr
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khloud Ghafouri
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
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Barakat H, Al-Roug K, Algonaiman R, Althwab SA, Alfheeaid HA, Alhomaid RM, Almujaydil MS, Bushnaq T, Ebeid TA. Biological Assessment of Stevioside and Sucralose as Sucrose Substitutes for Diabetics on STZ-Induced Diabetes in Rats. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28030940. [PMID: 36770608 PMCID: PMC9920551 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28030940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous food organizations have identified excessive calorie consumption and accompanying ailments as significant health risks associated with high sugar consumption. Administering stevioside (ST), sucralose (SU), and the two synergically (SU+ST) affected normal rats' weight gain. In the current study, SU showed the highest undesired effect. Indeed, administering the three treatments to diabetic rats (DR) did not improve the rats' weight gain. Although, insulin injection synergically with the treatments improved the weight gain, as recorded after three weeks. The best-improving rate was observed in the ST group. After the administration of ST and ST+SU to the DR, the blood glucose level (GL) was positively affected, with SU having no effects on reducing the GL. A considerable reduction in serum insulin (SIL) was noted in the DR+SU group. On the contrary, ST did not negatively affect the SIL, rather an improvement was recorded. In addition, giving SU did not significantly affect the ALT level in the DR or normal rats (NR). A significant improvement in total bilirubin (TBILI) was observed when insulin was injected with ST or SU in DR groups. Further, triglycerides (TG) after administering ST, SU, or ST+SU to NR had no significant difference compared to the control group (NR). Although, the three treatments markedly but not significantly lowered TG in the DR. For total cholesterol (CHO), both DR and NR had no significant effect after the three treatments. No histopathological alterations were recorded in the NR group. Diffuse and severe atrophy of the islands of Langerhans due to depletion of their cells and mild papillary hyperplasia of the pancreatic ducts were represented by a slightly folded ductal basement membrane and newly formed ductules in STZ-DR. Simultaneous atrophy and absence of the cells of islands of Langerhans besides ductal hyperplasia were evident in DR+SU. Hyperplastic ductal epithelium and atrophic Langerhans cells were seen in DR+SU+In. Degeneration and mild atrophy were observed in the islands of Langerhans structures. There was essentially no noticeable change after utilizing ST. A slight shrinkage of the Langerhans' islets was detected in DR+ST. In DR+ST+In, no histopathological alterations in the islands of Langerhans were recorded. Congestion in the stromal blood vessels associated with degenerative and necrotic changes in the cells of the islands of Langerhans in DR+SU+ST was observed. In NR+SU, congestion of the blood vessels associated with mild atrophy in the islands of Langerhans and dilatation in stromal blood vessels was noticed. In conclusion, ST is safe, and SU should be taken cautiously, such as mixing with ST and/or taken at a very low concentration to avoid its drastic effect on the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Barakat
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
- Food Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Banha 13736, Egypt
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-547-141-277
| | - Khaled Al-Roug
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raya Algonaiman
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami A. Althwab
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani A. Alfheeaid
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghad M. Alhomaid
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona S. Almujaydil
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taqwa Bushnaq
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Science, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tarek A. Ebeid
- Department of Animal Production and Breeding, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt
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Bushnaq T, Algheshairy RM, Almujaydil MS, Malki AA, Alharbi HF, Barakat H. Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Behaviors of Saudi Residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study. IJERPH 2022; 19:ijerph19137659. [PMID: 35805318 PMCID: PMC9265301 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has continued to spread rapidly worldwide, forcing countries to enact lockdowns and strict social-distancing measures that affect individual and population health. This study investigates the changes in dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors among Saudi residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 786 participants, with a mean age of 30 years. The questionnaire was administered online and sent via social media applications. Dietary habits, physical activity, TV-watching time, sleep patterns, stressors, and socio-demographic data were evaluated. Among the survey respondents, there was an increase in weight gain, food consumption, and decreased physical activity. Respondents who gained weight consumed more snacks, ate larger food portions, and engaged in less physical activity. Furthermore, a high fish, water, and supplements intake was noticed. Although respondents’ intake of fruits and vegetables was low, most individuals reported a negatively changed intake. However, most respondents reported increased consumption of lean meat and sweet foods. Observing changes in dietary and lifestyle habits during the lockdown period may help elaborate on the pandemic’s consequences for population health and assist in formulating and implementing policies for future closures, while supporting vulnerable groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taqwa Bushnaq
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia; (T.B.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Reham M. Algheshairy
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (H.F.A.)
- Correspondence: (R.M.A.); or (H.B.); Tel.: +966-547-141-277 (H.B.)
| | - Mona S. Almujaydil
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (H.F.A.)
| | - Asma Al Malki
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia; (T.B.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Hend F. Alharbi
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (H.F.A.)
| | - Hassan Barakat
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (H.F.A.)
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Moshtohor 13736, Egypt
- Correspondence: (R.M.A.); or (H.B.); Tel.: +966-547-141-277 (H.B.)
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Bushnaq T, Algethami F, Qadhi A, Mustafa R, Ghafouri K, Azhar W, Malki AA. The Impact of Vitamin D Status on COVID-19 Severity among Hospitalized Patients in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19031901. [PMID: 35162923 PMCID: PMC8835555 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The coronaviruses disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads continuously worldwide. The new vaccines and drugs have been approved. The prevention of disease is crucial, and some studies reveal the promising effect of alternative therapies such as vitamin D supplementations on COVID-19 prevention, but they still require sufficient evidence. Therefore, the current retrospective multicenter cross-sectional study aims to determine the primary association between the vitamin D status of hospitalized COVID-19 and its severity as well as mortality. A total of 197 COVID-19 were admitted at King Faisal Hospital, Al Noor Specialist Hospital in Makkah, and at Complex King Faisal Hospital in Taif in the Westering region of Saudi Arabia (SA) between June and August 2020. The demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory tests included serum 25(OH)D and admission for intensive care unit (ICU), length of stay in the hospital, mechanical ventilation (MV) support, and mortality were recorded and analyzed. Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) was found in 73.10% of all study population. Multiple logistic regression was used after adjusted covariances such as age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). No statistically significant was shown for ICU admission [Odd Ratio, OR 1.25 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.41–3.88) p = 0.70], MV support [Odd Ratio, OR 3.12 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.74–13.21) p = 0.12] and mortality [Odd Ratio, OR 2.39 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.31–18.11), p = 0.40]. These data didn’t support the association between serum 25(OH)D and the severity of the disease among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taqwa Bushnaq
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Fadiyah Algethami
- Clinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Umm Al-Qura, P.O. Box 7067, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.); (A.Q.); (R.M.); (K.G.); (W.A.)
| | - Alaa Qadhi
- Clinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Umm Al-Qura, P.O. Box 7067, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.); (A.Q.); (R.M.); (K.G.); (W.A.)
| | - Reham Mustafa
- Clinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Umm Al-Qura, P.O. Box 7067, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.); (A.Q.); (R.M.); (K.G.); (W.A.)
| | - Khloud Ghafouri
- Clinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Umm Al-Qura, P.O. Box 7067, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.); (A.Q.); (R.M.); (K.G.); (W.A.)
| | - Wedad Azhar
- Clinical Nutrition Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Umm Al-Qura, P.O. Box 7067, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.); (A.Q.); (R.M.); (K.G.); (W.A.)
| | - Asma Al Malki
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia;
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