ArticleBMJ open2021
Japanese newspaper advertisements for dietary supplements before and after COVID-19: a content analysis.
Article in BMJ open, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers.
What it found
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The trial behind it
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Who cites it
8 citing papers in PubMed.
- Validity and reliability of ChatGPT's responses on dietary supplements in Japan: A quality assessment and content analysis.PEC innovation · 2026Article
- Article
- Quality Assessment of Medical Institutions' Websites Regarding Prescription Drug Misuse of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists by Off-Label Use for Weight Loss: Website Evaluation Study.JMIR formative research · 2025Article
- Exploring the Dietary Supplement Use During COVID-19: Insights from Community Pharmacists, Pharmacy Staff, Academics, and Industry Experts.Journal of integrative and complementary medicine · 2024Article
- Web-Based Content on Diet and Nutrition Written in Japanese: Infodemiology Study Based on Google Trends and Google Search.JMIR formative research · 2023Article
- Dietary Supplement Use among Iranian Households during COVID-19 Epidemic Lockdown: Less Access in Those Who May Need More National Food and Nutrition Surveillance.International journal of preventive medicine · 2023Article
- The Prevalence of Dietary Supplement Use for the Purpose of COVID-19 Prevention in Japan.Nutrients · 2022Article
- Health-Related Content of TV and Radio Advertising of Dietary Supplements-Analysis of Legal Aspects after Introduction of Self-Regulation for Advertising of These Products in Poland.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2022Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesPublic health institutions have alerted consumers about advertising for dietary supplements with false claims of preventing or treating COVID-19. We quantitatively and qualitatively examined newspaper advertisements for dietary supplements before and after the COVID-19 spread.
designContent analysis.
participantsWe analysed advertisements for dietary supplements in two major Japanese newspapers in February-July 2019 and February-July 2020. Our analysis covered 2167 advertisements.
resultsThe number of advertisements for dietary supplements that claimed to be effective in infection prevention (p=0.009) and improving joint (p=0.002) and digestive functions (p=0.002) significantly increased after the spread of COVID-19 compared with before. Dietary supplements that claimed to be effective in preventing infection were advertised in combination with recommendations for gargling and handwashing. Such terms as 'defence' and 'prevent' were used to promote the preventive effect.
conclusionsFalse and misleading claims in advertising for dietary supplements may result in consumer harm, such as overdosing and failure to take preventive behaviour. While the pandemic continues, there will be an increasing need for disseminating accessible information about the appropriate use of dietary supplements, consumer education and warnings to manufacturers.
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