[Estimation of vitamin supplements and minerals consumption dispensed through pharmacy offices in the province of Las Palmas].
BACKGROUND
Vitamin supplements and minerals consumption (SPM) is increasing in occidental societies due to the growing concern about health by the population.


OBJECTIVE
To have a initial approaching to the to SPM consumption in the Province of Las Palmas through 2000 and 2001. To identify SPM proportions that are dispensed as pharmaceutical specialities and those who are sold as parapharmacy products. Finally, to describe the evolution of this consumption throughout a year.


METHODS
The information was obtained through the list of the whole pharmaceutical specialities and parapharmacy products through 2000 and 2001 who have at least a vitamin in its composition and/or a mineral.


RESULTS
Usually, 297 pharmaceutical specialities and 216 parapharmacy products are currently being sold. Pharmaceutical specialities comprised 65.6% of the whole products sold and within them, vitamins were the most dispensed (41.5%). Regarding parapharmacy products, vitamins and minerals compounds were the products more sold (34.6%). Comparing to 2000, during 2001 there was a statistically significant increase in the consumption of parapharmacy products, remaining without changes the use of pharmaceutical specialities.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of sold XX SPM consumption seems to be due mainly by pharmaceutical specialities rather than parapharmacy products. Nevertheless through 2001 there was an increase only in the parapharmacy products.
Almazán La-Cave
M D
MD
Grupo de investigación de Educación y Promoción de la Salud, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Saavedra Santana
P
P
Laínez Sevillano
P
P
Navarro Rodríguez
M C
MC
Marrero Montelongo
M
M
Torres García
M
M
Serra Majem
L
L
Sosa Henríquez
M
M
D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006801:Humans; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014131:Trace Elements; D014815:Vitamins
D014131:Trace Elements; D014815:Vitamins