- A recent study conducted by researchers from National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences and Monash University indicates a notable surge in Google searches for nutritional supplements, particularly vitamin C and D, coinciding with COVID-19 community outbreaks and during the winter season.
- The study, published in BMC Public Health, analyzed global and Taiwan-specific search data, demonstrating increased public interest in supplements post-COVID, with distinct peaks in searches during the pandemic’s early stages.
- The findings suggest a correlation between seasonal changes, pandemic events, and the public’s heightened interest in nutritional supplements.
Vitamin C and D Searches Surge During COVID-19 Outbreaks
Google search data reveals a significant increase in public interest in nutritional supplements, notably vitamin C and D, during COVID-19 community outbreaks and the winter season. The study, examining 156 weeks of COVID-19 data, highlights peaks in search volumes for vitamin C at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, emphasizing the popularity of this supplement during the early stages of the health crisis.
Variances in Seasonal Influence on Supplement Searches
While global search popularity for nutritional supplements remained consistent across seasons, Taiwan exhibited distinct seasonal changes. Vitamin C and D interest saw increased search volumes during the colder months, aligning with traditional cold and flu seasons. The study suggests that, unlike the past, interest in nutritional supplements globally remained steady throughout the year, marking a new phenomenon observed in the search data.
Vitamin B Complex, C, and D Searches Tied to New Cases and Deaths
Analysis of the data revealed strong correlations between search volumes for vitamin B complex, C, and D and COVID-19 metrics. Notably, vitamin B complex searches correlated strongly with new COVID-19 cases, while vitamin C and D searches exhibited higher correlations with new COVID-19 deaths. The study emphasizes the evolving patterns of public interest in nutritional supplements amid the ongoing pandemic and changing seasonal dynamics.
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Source: Nutra Ingredients
