Researchers surveyed over 1,300 adults across four Middle Eastern countries to understand what people know, think, and do about vitamin D supplements. They found that knowledge about vitamin D varies widely by country and age group. Younger people and those working outside healthcare fields seemed to know more and use supplements more often. The study suggests that many people have neutral or unclear feelings about vitamin D, and better education could help more people use supplements properly. This research shows that different groups need different types of information to make better choices about their vitamin D intake.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How much adults in the Middle East know about vitamin D supplements, what they think about them, and whether they actually use them
  • Who participated: 1,340 adults aged 18 and older from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq who answered questions online through social media between November 2023 and February 2024
  • Key finding: Knowledge about vitamin D supplements varies significantly by country and age. Younger adults and people working in non-healthcare jobs showed better understanding and more consistent use of vitamin D supplements compared to older adults and healthcare workers
  • What it means for you: If you’re thinking about taking vitamin D supplements, your age and job might affect how much you already know about them. The study suggests that many people could benefit from clearer, simpler information about why vitamin D matters and how to use supplements correctly

The Research Details

Researchers created a questionnaire and shared it through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn. They asked adults in four Middle Eastern countries to answer questions about their knowledge of vitamin D, their attitudes toward supplements, and their actual supplement-taking habits. The survey ran for about four months, from late 2023 to early 2024. They collected responses from 1,340 people total, with roughly equal numbers from each country.

The researchers used statistical methods to analyze the responses and look for patterns. They checked whether factors like age, gender, and job type affected how much people knew about vitamin D or whether they took supplements. They used a rating scale to measure attitudes and practices, making sure the questions were reliable and consistent.

This approach is important because it captures real-world information from everyday people using platforms they actually use. By surveying multiple countries, the researchers could see how vitamin D knowledge and practices differ across regions. Understanding these differences helps health officials know where to focus education efforts and what messages might work best for different groups of people.

The study had good internal consistency, meaning the survey questions reliably measured what they were supposed to measure. The sample size of 1,340 was large enough to provide reliable results. However, because people self-selected to answer the survey through social media, the results may not represent everyone equally—people who use social media actively might have different knowledge levels than those who don’t. The study was approved by an ethics committee, which is a good sign of research quality.

What the Results Show

The study revealed important differences in vitamin D knowledge across the four countries. Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq showed moderate understanding of vitamin D supplements, while Saudi Arabia had noticeably lower knowledge levels. This suggests that vitamin D education may be more available or effective in some countries than others.

When it came to attitudes, people across all four countries felt neutral about vitamin D supplements—they weren’t strongly for or against them. This suggests many people haven’t formed strong opinions about whether supplements are important. However, when looking at actual behavior, Jordan and Iraq showed the best track records of people actually taking vitamin D supplements, while Saudi Arabia and Egypt had more moderate supplement use.

Age made a significant difference, especially in Saudi Arabia, where younger adults knew more about vitamin D and were more likely to take supplements. Interestingly, people working outside the healthcare field (like in business, education, or other sectors) showed higher knowledge and better supplement use than healthcare workers in most countries. Men reported more positive attitudes toward vitamin D supplements than women in Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq.

The study found that job type was a strong predictor of vitamin D knowledge in Iraq and Jordan, with non-healthcare workers scoring significantly higher. This unexpected finding suggests that healthcare workers might have different priorities or information sources than the general population. Gender differences were notable in attitude scores, with men consistently rating vitamin D supplements more favorably across three of the four countries, though the reasons for this difference weren’t explored in the study.

This research adds to existing knowledge by showing that vitamin D awareness varies significantly by region and demographic group. Previous studies have noted low vitamin D knowledge globally, and this study confirms that pattern in the Middle East while identifying specific groups that need more education. The finding that younger people know more aligns with other research showing that younger adults tend to be more engaged with health information online.

The study relied on people who actively use social media, which may not represent everyone in these countries. Older adults and those without internet access weren’t included. The survey was self-reported, meaning people might have answered based on what they thought was correct rather than their true knowledge. The study couldn’t prove cause-and-effect relationships—for example, it showed that younger people know more about vitamin D, but it couldn’t explain why. Additionally, the study didn’t measure actual vitamin D blood levels, only whether people said they took supplements.

The Bottom Line

If you’re an adult in the Middle East, consider having a conversation with your doctor about whether vitamin D supplements are right for you, especially if you live in a region with limited sunlight or have dietary restrictions. The evidence suggests that vitamin D is important for bone health and other body functions, but individual needs vary. Start with moderate doses and monitor how you feel. This recommendation has moderate confidence because the study shows knowledge gaps exist, suggesting many people could benefit from personalized medical advice.

This research matters most for adults in Middle Eastern countries, healthcare providers working in these regions, and public health officials planning education campaigns. It’s particularly relevant for younger adults and non-healthcare workers who may have better access to information but still have gaps in knowledge. Healthcare workers might benefit from refresher training on vitamin D supplementation. People with specific health conditions, pregnant women, and those taking other medications should definitely consult their doctor before starting supplements.

If you start taking vitamin D supplements, you might notice improved energy levels or better mood within a few weeks, though this varies by person. Bone health benefits typically take several months to become noticeable. Most experts recommend consistent use for at least 8-12 weeks before evaluating whether supplements are helping you. Blood tests can measure vitamin D levels after 6-8 weeks of supplementation.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Log your daily vitamin D supplement intake (dose and time taken) and rate your energy levels and mood on a 1-10 scale each day. After 8 weeks, review whether you notice patterns in how you feel on days you take supplements versus days you don’t.
  • Set a daily reminder on your phone for the same time each day to take your vitamin D supplement. Start with the dose your doctor recommends, and use the app to track whether you’re consistent. If you miss doses, note why so you can identify barriers and problem-solve.
  • Track supplement adherence as a percentage each month (days you took it divided by total days). Also monitor any symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, or mood changes. Schedule a check-in with your doctor every 3 months to discuss whether supplementation is working for you and whether your dose needs adjustment based on blood tests.

This research describes what people in four Middle Eastern countries know and do about vitamin D supplements, but it doesn’t prove that supplements will help any individual person. Vitamin D needs vary based on age, health conditions, skin tone, sun exposure, and diet. Before starting any supplement, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine if vitamin D supplementation is appropriate for you and what dose is safe. This is especially important if you take other medications, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have existing health conditions. The findings from this survey should not replace personalized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.