Dietary Supplement Use for Mood in Poland: A Public Health Concern

High Prevalence of Dietary Supplement Use in Poland

A recent study highlights the widespread use of dietary supplements (DS) for mood improvement and stress relief among adults in Poland. Conducted between October 2024 and May 2025, the study surveyed 798 respondents, revealing that 23.06% were current users (CU) and 37.22% were past users (PU) of these products. Poland's growing DS market is among the largest in the European Union, driven by high levels of psychological distress and a cultural inclination towards self-medication.

Mechanisms and Patterns of DS Use

The study identified Withania somnifera, Melissa officinalis, and melatonin as the most common ingredients used for mood enhancement. Current users were more inclined than past users to prefer DS over over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, consider the composition of the supplements, and engage in long-term usage exceeding one year. This trend underscores a growing reliance on DS as a primary method for managing mood and stress.

Implications for Healthcare Communication and Policy

A significant finding of the study is the communication gap between patients and healthcare providers regarding DS use. Only 25.54% of current users and 18.86% of past users disclosed their DS usage to their physicians. The main reasons for nondisclosure were the belief that DS use is irrelevant to medical decisions and fear of judgment from healthcare professionals. This lack of communication poses risks of potential drug interactions and underscores the need for improved patient education and nutrivigilance in clinical settings.

Risks and Unknowns in DS Use

The widespread use of DS without adequate medical guidance raises concerns about safety and efficacy. Misconceptions about the harmlessness of DS can lead to adverse interactions with prescribed medications, particularly as 51.09% of current users reported concurrent use of regular medications. The study calls for routine screening for DS and OTC use in clinical practice to mitigate these risks.

Looking Forward: Enhancing Patient Safety and Education

To address these challenges, there is a pressing need for healthcare systems in Poland to integrate nutrivigilance into standard practice. This includes educating patients on the potential risks of DS use and encouraging open dialogue between patients and healthcare providers. Future research should focus on developing strategies to improve communication and understanding of DS use in the context of overall health management.