Dietary Supplement and Prescription Omega-3 Fatty Acid Products Use Among Iraqi Consumers in Kirkuk City
October 2024
in “
Kirkuk journal of medical sciences
”
TLDR Consumers in Kirkuk City use both prescription and nonprescription omega-3 products, but need better understanding of their differences.
The study conducted in Kirkuk City, Iraq, investigated the use of omega-3 fatty acid products among consumers, focusing on both dietary supplements and prescription formulations. Over a 6-month period, data from 93 pharmacies revealed that 46.2% of patients received fish oil supplements by prescription, while 53.7% obtained them without a prescription. Nonprescription users tended to be younger and predominantly female. The study highlighted that 44% of over-the-counter users purchased omega-3 for general supplementation, with 20% using it for hair loss. The findings emphasize the need for healthcare providers and consumers to understand the differences between prescription and nonprescription omega-3 products to ensure their appropriate use.