Vitamin C is the one of the most searched supplements by Californians, reveals study.
Californians are also deficient in vitamins A and D.
43 states are deficient in vitamin D.
Research page with in-depth insights into the study.
Californians are deficient in vitamin C, according to a comprehensive study carried out by drug and medication information site, DrugGenius.com. They analyzed Google search trends data over 2022 to identify which supplements people have searched for the most over the year, which revealed some interesting results…
Overall, the most popular supplements to be searched for by Californians was vitamin C, with 32% searching for it, along with vitamin D (28%). This was followed by vitamin A (15%).
Vitamin C is thought to be beneficial for the flu and other infections because of its role in supporting the immune system. The immune system is the body’s defense system against pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, that can cause infections. Vitamin C is essential for the proper function of several components of the immune system, including white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections.
43 states searched for vitamin D the most. Supplements for vitamin D became more popular over the pandemic – when people were confined to their homes throughout lockdowns, people were getting less sunlight as a result and therefore began lacking in vitamin D. Known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, it is also found in oily fish, egg yolks, cheese and beef liver – it’s a fat-soluble vitamin which helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, two elements which are essential for building bones. Studies have also found that Vitamin D is effective in reducing cancer cell growth and helps control infection as well as inflammation in the body. A lack of vitamin D can result in fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, muscle aches or muscle cramps.
The study yielded other interesting observations which broadly correlate with public health data:
– Interestingly, 5 states in America including California, Florida, Hawaii bucked the national trend and searched more for vitamin C than vitamin D. Given they receive more sunshine than most other states, residents in these states have less requirements for vitamin D.
– North Dakotans searched for vitamin A more than anywhere else in America. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is a leading cause of death in North Dakota. There is some evidence to suggest that vitamin A may be beneficial for heart health as it may play a role in reducing inflammation in the body. Inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, and reducing inflammation may help to protect against heart disease. On the other hand, searches for vitamin E supplements were the lowest in Alaska, which also correlates to levels of heart disease in the state. Alaska ranks as one of the most ‘heart healthy’ states in the U.S.
– Vitamin B was most searched in Wyoming (11% of their searches). Wyoming has one of the highest rates of depression when compared to all other states. There is some evidence to suggest that vitamin B deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of developing depression. A deficiency in vitamin B can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and mood changes.
– Vitamin C was most searched in Hawaii (33% of their searches) – Hawaii has some of the highest rates of periodontal disease. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the gums and other tissues in the body from damage caused by free radicals. It is also necessary for the production of collagen, a protein that is important for the structure and strength of the gums.
“Vitamins are important to health because they play a vital role in maintaining the normal functioning of the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. They are necessary for growth, development, and the maintenance of good health” says a spokesperson for DrugGenius.com.
“There are 13 essential vitamins that the human body needs in order to function properly. These include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, and the B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate). Each of these vitamins has specific functions in the body, and a deficiency in any of them can lead to serious health problems.”
DrugGenius.com has created a research page with in-depth insights of the study.
