ABSTRACT

Background: Deadly pandemic conditions, last seen in the 1918 Spanish Flu, similarly emerged in 2019 as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China. The metabolic status of the host, as influenced by current medical condition and lifestyle, appears to determine the clinical severity of COVID-19.

Aim: The study aims to determine the rates of vitamin, mineral use, and exercise participation before the COVID-19 pandemic period and during the pandemic period.

Methods: Eight hundred and twenty-two people living in the province of Izmir (Turkey) participated in the research. Using the questionnaire method, vitamin, mineral use, and participation in exercise were determined before the Covid-19 pandemic and during the ongoing one-year period. Frequency and Chi-Square Tests were used for statistical evaluation (p<0.05).

Results: According to the results of the statistical analysis, significant increases were detected in the use of vitamins C, D, and zinc during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before (p<0.05). It was determined that the frequency of participation in the exercise of the participants decreased significantly compared to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Conclusion: As a result, it was observed that the frequency of participation in exercise decreased and the use of vitamins C, D, and zinc increased. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, participation in healthy nutrition and exercise, which is known to contribute to a stronger immune system, is recommended as in normal conditions.