ArticleBMC nutrition2025
Prevalence of self-medication with vitamin or mineral supplements in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Article in BMC nutrition, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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6 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundSelf-medication, as a self-care practice, increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the most prevalent medications used for self-medication were vitamins and minerals. Accordingly, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-medication with vitamins or minerals for preventing and treating COVID-19 and its related factors. MATERIAL AND
methodA comprehensive search was performed in four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest), two preprint repositories (MedRxiv and SciELO), two grey literature sources (Google and Google Scholar), and the reference lists of eligible studies in January 2024. The search strategy was built on two core concepts: "self-medication" and "COVID-19". No language, place, and time restrictions were applied. Risk of bias assessment tool was adapted from Hoy checklist. The protocol of this study was registered under the code CRD42023434567 in the open-access online database of the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). A random effect model was applied to estimate the pooled prevalence of self-medication. Statistical heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using both the I
resultsOut of 1424 non-duplicate studies, 56 were included in the meta-analysis. Vitamin C, vitamin D, B complex, multivitamins, and zinc were most commonly used for self-medication. The pooled prevalence of self-medication with vitamins was 29% (95% CI: 22%,37%; I
conclusionThe reported prevalence of self-medication with vitamins and minerals to prevent and treat COVID-19, especially in Asia, is concerning and needs more public health action. In addition, people should be educated about the possibility of poisoning with vitamins and minerals because awareness of the risks of supplements can reduce self-medication practices at present and even in future pandemics.
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