Consumption of Dietary Supplements among Working-Age Residents of Lithuania in the Period from 2021 to 2023

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) among working-age residents of Lithuania from 2021 to 2023 with respect to social and demographic factors and an assessment of personal health. Materials and Methods: Using stratified sampling techniques, this study included three samples of working-age residents (1600 each year, 4800 total). Three surveys were conducted, the distribution of the respondents between groups was compared using the χ2 test. Results: The consumption of DS significantly differed each year and accounted for 78.1%, 71.6%, and 72.7% of the respondents, respectively (p < 0.05). In 2022, the prevalence of the consumption of DS was lower in the majority of social and demographic groups (p < 0.05). In 2023, it was higher among females, younger residents, and those from larger families, who suffered from COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Despite similar changes found in the consumption of DS among those who negatively assessed their health, this group showed more prevalent consumption of DS among residents with non-university education, unemployed respondents, and those with lower income (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Despite a significantly lower prevalence in the consumption of DS in 2022, it was higher again in 2023. The assessment of personal health shows different habits in the consumption of DS.

The need for information on nutrition among adolescents and adult knowledge regarding food consumption recommendations

OBJECTIVES

The eating habits of most Lithuanian people do not adhere to the recommendations for a healthy diet. If children and adolescents were provided with the relevant information, it would not only improve their nutritional knowledge, but also their eating habits in adulthood and the subsequent health of their children. The objective of this study was to determine the need for information on nutrition among Lithuanian adolescents, the current knowledge of adults regarding recommendations for the consumption of various food groups, and the factors that influence both the need for information and the current knowledge.

METHODS

Two cross-sectional studies were conducted, consisting of 3,574 adolescents aged 14-18 years and 1,007 adults aged 18-75 years. Logistic regression models with confidence intervals of 95% were used to determine the influence of various socio-demographic factors on the adolescent need for information on nutrition and the adult knowledge of nutrition.

RESULTS

A total of 66.7% of adolescents stated that they need information regarding nutrition, whereas 29.8% indicated that they lack such information. Significantly more girls than boys, and more students from schools in urban areas than students from schools in rural areas, expressed their need for information on nutrition. Lithuanian adults lacked knowledge of recommendations for the consumption of various food groups. Women and respondents with higher education degrees were found to have more knowledge on recommendations of the consumption of various food groups compared to men and respondents of other levels of education respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrate that the required information on nutrition must be continuously provided via various channels to both adolescents and adults, and socio-demographic factors must be taken into account when planning public health intervention measures.

Evaluation of public knowledge and beliefs of adverse health effects of unhealthy food and knowledge and beliefs based inequalities among various socio-demographic groups in Lithuania

OBJECTIVES

The availability of information on healthy products does not ensure the empowerment of people with the knowledge on how to choose or avoid food products or dishes depending on unhealthy factors. Public knowledge and beliefs of unhealthy food effects on health needs to be evaluated so that appropriate measures can be taken to properly inform people and relevant socio-demographic groups.

METHODS

The original survey questionnaire containing questions about specific food groups and various health effects was compiled. A total of 1,007 respondents, Lithuanian residents aged 18-75 years, were surveyed in March 2019. Multilevel stratified probability sampling method was used for data representativeness.

RESULTS

Almost half of respondents (46.2%) knew that deep-fried food could cause cancer. The majority of respondents (68.4%) were aware that sugar causes obesity and 61.7% were aware that sugar increases the risk of diabetes mellitus; 41.6% (more often those living in non-rural areas) know that grilled meat may cause cancer. More than half of respondents (57.2%) (more likely those living in non-rural areas and those with a university degree) were aware that smoked meat products may cause cancer. Only 46.4% were aware of the fact that salt raises blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

CONCLUSION

Only about half of Lithuanian residents aged 18-75 were aware of the scientifically proven harmful effects of unhealthy food groups. Socio-demographic factors influence the knowledge and beliefs of the population.

Differences in consumption of sugar and sweeteners in two neighbor countries: Lithuania and Poland

Background

In connection with attempts to reduce consumption of added sugar, consumption of non-nutritive (or low caloric) sweeteners (NNS) is likely to increse in many countries. In addition to variety of NNS, limited evidence on public health effects related to NNS exist. Thus, it remains important to monitor consumption of added sugar and sweeteners in our societies. As Lithuania and Poland are neighbor countries with similar culture and nutritional habits, the objective of this study was to compare consumption of sweeteners among adults in Lithuania and Poland.

Methods

A representative sample of Lithuanian population of adults aged 18 to 75 years was formed. A total number of 1008 residents from Lithuania participated. Distribution of them by answers about consumption of added sugar and sweeteners was assessed with respect to results of the survey conducted in central part of Poland where a group of 2000 adult respondents was investigated.

Results

Majority of respondents in both countries declared consumption of added sugar: 79.3% and 87.4% of Lithuanian and Polish respondents, respectively (p-value less than 0.05). Apart from sugar, majority of the respondents in Lithuania declared consumption of honey or fructose (respectively, 78.1% and 43.4%), consumption of other sweeteners such as saccharin, stevia, corn syrup, aspartame and sucralose were less prevalent (respectively, 30.9%, 18.2%, 9.5%, 9.0%, 3.4%). In Poland, 41.8% of respondents declared consumption of products containing stevia. Distribution of Poles by answers to the question which sweetener they used most often was 26.6%, 23.6%, 15.6%, 12.3% for stevia, xylitol, aspartame and fructose, respectively. Honey, acesulfame K, thaumatin and other substances were used by a lower percentage of Polish respondents.

Conclusions

Despite cultural similarities consumption of added sugar and sweeteners among adults differed significantly in two neighbor counties: Lithuania and Poland.

Key messages

In comparison to Lithuania, consumption of added sugar, xylitol and natural non-nutritive but intense sweetener stevia was more prevalent in Poland. In comparison to Poland, consumption of added sugar was less prevalent, but non-intense and high in calories sweeteners were more prevalent in Lithuania.

The impact of joining the Eurozone on nutrition habits in Lithuania

Background

Increases in the cost of food often leads to changes in the quantity and type of foods that are purchased. World Health Organization estimates that today’s global food prices rose to the highest level. Numerous research results show that the effect of the conversion of national currencies to the euro on the growth of consumer prices in euro area countries was generally mild and one-off.

The aim - to explore the eating habits in 2019 of the Lithuanian population and compare it with results of an eating habits research which was made before the joining euro zone in 2013.

Methods

The sample under the survey included 1007 of the Lithuania’s population. The interviewing under a questionnaire was carried out in March 2019 using the questionnaire developed for this purpose. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS program package. The results were compared with nutritional habits of the survey done in 2013.

Results

The results showed that only one-fifth of the Lithuanian adult population thinks about food choices for health benefits - 22 % (in 2013 - 21 %). Food choice is affected by the taste - 37 % (in 2013 - 28%), to a lesser extent - the food price, which represents 24 % (in 2013 - 37%). 67% of the Lithuanian population (in 2013 - 43%) do not always eat at the same time. 59% (in 2013 - 59%) of the adult population eats three times a day. The majority - 98% (in 2013 - 92.9%) of the respondents had a snack between main meals. It is recommended to eat fresh vegetables every day, but this recommendation is shared by 55% (in 2013 - 40%). The milk and milk products are used each day by 51% (37% in 2013) of the population. The majority - 42% (in 2013 - 82%) of adult Lithuanian population most frequently used vegetable oil.

Conclusions

More people started to choose food by taste, and a decreased number of those who choose by price. There is increased number of people who eat fresh vegetables every day and decreased number of people who use vegetable oil.

Key messages

There are differents in nutrition habits among Lithuania population before and after joining Eurozone. The study showed the impact of joining the Eurozone on the diet of the population.

Nutritional habits among high-performance endurance athletes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

For athletes, the main purpose of nutrition is to ensure the compensation of increased energy consumption and the need for nutrients in the athlete's body, thereby enabling maximum adaptation to physical loads. The aim of this study was to determine the habits of highly trained endurance athletes depending on sports type, sex and age in order to improve the planning and management of the training of athletes using targeted measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 2009-2012, the dietary habits of 146 endurance athletes were analyzed. The actual diet of Lithuania endurance athletes was investigated using a 24-h dietary survey method. Data on the athletes' actual diet were collected for the previous day.

RESULTS

It was found that 80.8% of endurance athletes used lower-than-recommended amounts of carbohydrates in their diet, and more than 70% of athletes used higher-than-recommended levels of fat, saturated fatty acids, and cholesterol. The diet of female athletes was low in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, and zinc. Athletes aged 14-18 years tended to consume quantities of protein that were either lower than recommended or excessive.

CONCLUSIONS

The diet of highly trained endurance athletes does not fully meet their requirements and in this situation cannot ensure maximum adaptation to very intense and/or long-duration physical loads. The diet of highly trained endurance athletes must be optimized, adjusted and individualized. Particular attention should be focused on female athletes.

Organic food consumption by athletes in Lithuania

Background

With environmental pollution increasing, interest in organic farming and organic foodstuffs has been growing all over the world. Data on organic food consumption by Lithuanian athletes is not yet available. This lack of data determined the aim of this study: to identify the particulars of organic foodstuff consumption among athletes.

Methods

In September–November 2012, we polled 158 of the best-performing athletes of the Olympic sports team through direct interviews. An approved questionnaire was used to identify the specifics of organic foodstuff consumption among athletes.

Results

The survey results showed that 97% of athletes consume organic foodstuffs, and 80% of athletes highlighted the positive impact of organic food on health. Nevertheless, a slim majority of athletes (51.7%) consume organic foodstuffs seldomly, 2–3 times per week. The range of organic foodstuffs consumed depends on the gender of athletes, and the consumption of some products depends on monthly incomes.

Conclusions

Survey results confirm the need for the production and expansion of the variety of organic foodstuffs. In the course of the development of the organic food market, it should be beneficial for manufacturers to target high-performance athletes and physically active people.

The prevalence of problem drug use in lithuania

The aim of this study was to estimate and assess the prevalence of problem drug use in Lithuania.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The capture-recapture method was used to estimate the prevalence of problem drug use. For the study, the data concerning problem drug users were collected from the databases of health care and law enforcement institutions. The target group consisted of permanent users (aged 15-64 years) of heroin and other opioids and/or a combination of drugs.

RESULTS

In Lithuania, 431 monitored problem drug users were identified in 2005, 482 in 2006, and 447 in 2007. The male-to-female ratio among the monitored problem drug users was 6:1 in 2006 and 4:1 in 2005 and 2007. The mean age of the monitored problem drug users was 26.8 years in 2005, 27.6 years in 2006, and 28.0 years in 2007. In total, 5699 problem drug users were identified (95% CI, 5552 to 5849) in 2005, 5800 (95% CI, 5652 to 5951) in 2006, and 5458 (95% CI, 5314 to 5605) in 2007. According to the gathered data, the prevalence of problem drug use was 2.3 cases per 1000 Lithuanian population aged 15-64 years in 2005, 2.5 in 2006, and 2.4 in 2007.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed one of the lowest prevalence of problem drug use in Lithuania as in Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, and Cyprus. In 2005-2007, problem drug users were mainly young men of employable age in Lithuania.