Prague, September 2023
Studies from recent years highlight a significant deficiency of essential nutrients among Czechs, with vitamin D being the most notable. Nearly 70% of the population is affected by this shortfall. Research by the European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers (FSE) confirms that Czechs turn to dietary supplements to address such deficiencies. Over the past year, 97% of Czechs used supplements, according to the FSE. However, Czech natural supplement producer Trime points out that many consumers lack sufficient knowledge about healthy supplementation practices. This is part of a global issue, as data from ConsumerLab reveals that 72% of supplement users are unaware of a product's origin, and 75% fail to consider factors that influence supplement effectiveness.
"Micronutrient deficiencies are a serious and long-standing problem across the Czech population. The reasons include low nutritional literacy, disinterest in proper nutrition, and the fact that truly high-quality, nutritionally rich foods are rare on the market and often go unrecognized by most customers," explains Jakub Přibyl, nutrition specialist and product developer at Trime.
Micronutrient Deficiencies in Czechs
Various studies have highlighted the widespread deficiency of vitamin D in Europe. A 2016 study showed that 40% of Europeans lacked sufficient vitamin D levels. A 2018 study by the Czech State Health Institute reported deficiency levels of 68% among Czechs, especially during winter. Another study conducted the same year by the Czech Institute of Public Health revealed that up to 95% of Czechs from various age groups suffer from a lack of vitamin D.
Supplementation Without Understanding
One way Czechs address nutrient deficiencies is through supplementation. A 2022 survey by the FSE found that 97% of Czechs used dietary supplements in the previous year, with the most common being vitamin D (46%), vitamin C (36%), and magnesium (33%).
However, Trime emphasizes that many people lack education about what they consume daily. ConsumerLab data supports this, showing that 75% of supplement users do not investigate quality assurance through independent testing, and 72% are unaware of the product's origin.
"Despite meeting basic hygiene and safety standards required by law, supplements may still pose long-term health risks. It’s crucial to consider a product’s origin, composition, and the presence of synthetic additives. These additives may have unknown effects when consumed in large quantities or combined with other substances. Choosing supplements that closely mimic natural foods is a safer approach," explains Přibyl.
Quality Gaps in the Market
Trime notes that consumer disinterest is reflected in the products offered by most manufacturers. "Finding suppliers that meet our strict quality standards was a significant challenge. Many couldn’t answer essential questions about ingredient sourcing, processing, stability, storage, or the bioavailability of different forms of nutrients. Often, our questions were the first they'd encountered from customers. In our view, the Czech market is flooded with low-quality supplements that use poorly absorbable ingredients coated with synthetic additives," comments Michal Kočí, co-founder and CEO of Trime.
Back to Basics with Supplementation
ConsumerLab’s research highlights the goals of supplement users, with half aiming to reduce stress, 42% to combat anxiety, and 38% to improve memory—objectives most commonly cited by Generation Z.
"In practice, I often see clients neglecting basic micronutrient supplementation while turning to biohacking and questionable products. Instead of focusing on essential vitamins and minerals that their diets are usually deficient in, they opt for 'miracle' herbs to enhance cognitive function or reduce stress. This approach is like building a house starting with the roof. Such supplementation can be counterproductive, as these products are often of poor quality and contain combinations that biologically cannot deliver their intended benefits," warns Přibyl.
Trime advises against consuming supplements of unknown origin due to the risks involved. Many of these products, often sourced from Asia, are characterized by low purity and high levels of toxic substances such as heavy metals, PCBs, or ethylene oxide. Studies have confirmed the presence of these contaminants in some cases.
"For those new to supplementation, I recommend focusing on essential nutrients like vitamin D3, omega-3s, and other proven beneficial compounds. Avoid being swayed by sensational claims," adds Přibyl.
