The pha?cist's role in promoting food supplements: consumption of magnesium supplements in western romania

Considering the significant role of Mg in the optimal functioning of the entire organism and the widespread consumption of Mg supplements, this study aim was to identify the main factors that influence the choice of Mg supplements by the population, how the consumption of Mg supplements evolved in the post-COVID-19 period compared to the COVID-19 period, but also the pharmacist's role in advising citizens and promoting Mg supplements. A comparative analysis regarding their consumption over two years, one during and one after the COVID-19 pandemic, was also carried out. For higher relevance of the study, pharmacies with higher consumption of Mg supplements from different county areas were chosen. Considering that most consumers purchase food supplements from pharmacies, the pharmacist's role is decisive in choosing these supplements; depending on the desired effect for each patient, the pharmacist indicated fast-acting or delayed-acting supplements. In this regard, the in vitro release of Mg at pH 1.2 and 6.8 from the most popular Mg supplements containing a variety of compounds, such as orotate, oxide, carbonate, lactate, citrate, and hydroxide was assessed. The obtained results indicate a higher consumption of dietary supplements containing both Mg and B group vitamins in the post-COVID-19 period. Also, the disaggregation of the tablets provides valuable information related to the time course of the therapeutic response and the amount of Mg compound released from the tablet.