Consumption patterns of health-promoting preparations in an urban area (Nairobi) and comparison of their cost to that of locally available natural foods

Abstract

In recent

years, there has been

an increasing

interest in the consumption of 'alleged' health

promoting preparations (HPP)*. Studies

citnd in

the literature indicate an increased consumption of nutrient supplements, especially in the more industrialized countries. Whereas the pharmaceu-- tical firms continue to promote these products through mass media advertisements and labeling, there is growing concern among health professio- nals on the use and implications of these prepara-

tions.

Families already existing on

limited

budgets may be spending a sUbstantial proportion

of their

income on HPP which may be

costly and

unnecessary to their nutritional needs.

At present, there is little documented evidence on the use of these preparations in Kenya. Ho w e v e r , the availability and vigorous marketing of these

products ..

in the country are a basis for concern .

The study attempted to determine the extent to which urban middle-income families spent their income on HPP and also the factors which influence their consumption patterns~ This information could

help urban middle income families

to optimize

their

limited resources

by purchasing locally

available natural foods instead of health promo- ting preparations.

A cross-sectional study of 270 households surveyed

in three

different housing

estates

in Nairobi

revealed that 74.5% of these households were using health promoting preparations. The consumption of HPP was found to be identical in the three clu-

sters.

Howeve 1',

the majority of the consistent

consumers* were found in middle and upper middre

income estates (Uhuru and Harambee). Households in

the

low

income cluster (Ofafa) spent a greater

proportion of their monthly income and food expen~ diture on ijPP than their more affluent counter- parts in Uhuru and Harambee clusters.

Most of the users had become aware of these pro- ducts through the mass media, particularly radio. Clinics and hospitals were also found to be impor- tant sources of information for the users of Glu-

cose and Ribena. The six categories of

the

mo s-t

frequently used HPP were, squashes such as Treetop

and Ribena,

Glucose

prod1,lcts, Chocolate based

products,

Fish

oils and• Multivitamins. Reasons

cited for using the preparations were