About 36.7% of people surveyed in Egypt and Jordan take vitamin D supplements, with significantly more Jordanians (45.2%) using them than Egyptians (27.2%), according to a 2026 cross-sectional study of 1,181 participants. Gram Research analysis shows that supplement use is more common among women, people with higher incomes, those with chronic diseases, and individuals aware of vitamin D deficiency symptoms. Most people in both countries also use sun exposure and vitamin D-rich foods to maintain adequate levels.
A new study of over 1,100 people in Egypt and Jordan found that about one-third are taking vitamin D supplements to stay healthy. Researchers discovered that more Jordanians (45%) take vitamin D pills compared to Egyptians (27%). The study also showed that people are more likely to take supplements if they’re women, have higher incomes, have chronic diseases, or know about vitamin D deficiency symptoms. Most people in both countries try to get enough vitamin D through sun exposure and eating vitamin D-rich foods, but many also rely on supplements and blood tests to monitor their levels.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional study of 1,181 people in Egypt and Jordan found that 36.7% use vitamin D supplements, with Jordanians (45.2%) significantly more likely to supplement than Egyptians (27.2%).
According to research reviewed by Gram, 84.6% of study participants in Egypt and Jordan rely on sun exposure to maintain vitamin D levels, while 79.6% consume vitamin D-rich foods, and 49.5% regularly monitor blood vitamin D levels.
A 2026 survey of 1,181 Middle Eastern adults found that vitamin D supplement use was significantly higher among women, people with chronic diseases, those with higher incomes, and individuals aware of deficiency symptoms.
Research shows that the internet, university/school education, and healthcare providers are the main sources of vitamin D information for people in Egypt and Jordan, influencing their supplement use decisions.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How many people in Egypt and Jordan take vitamin D supplements and what factors influence their decision to take them
- Who participated: 1,181 adults from Egypt and Jordan surveyed between April and October 2024, including both men and women from different income levels and health backgrounds
- Key finding: About 36.7% of people surveyed take vitamin D supplements, with significantly more Jordanians (45.2%) using them compared to Egyptians (27.2%)
- What it means for you: If you live in the Middle East and have a chronic disease, higher income, or know about vitamin D deficiency symptoms, you’re more likely to use supplements. This suggests awareness and access to healthcare information influence supplement use, though you should consult your doctor before starting any supplement.
The Research Details
This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers took a snapshot of vitamin D supplement use at one point in time rather than following people over months or years. They surveyed 1,181 people from Egypt and Jordan between April and October 2024, asking them about their supplement use, health conditions, income level, and where they learned about vitamin D.
The researchers collected information about what methods people used to maintain adequate vitamin D levels, including sun exposure, eating vitamin D-rich foods, blood testing, and supplement use. They also identified where people got their information about vitamin D, from the internet, school or university education, or healthcare providers.
This type of study is useful for understanding patterns in a population at a specific time, but it cannot prove that one factor causes another. It simply shows which factors are associated with supplement use.
Understanding who takes vitamin D supplements and why is important because vitamin D deficiency is very common in the Middle East due to factors like limited sun exposure, dietary habits, and cultural clothing practices. By identifying which groups are more likely to use supplements and what influences their decisions, health officials can create better education programs and interventions to help people maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
This study surveyed a reasonably large sample of over 1,100 people, which provides reliable information about supplement use patterns. However, because it’s a cross-sectional study, it shows associations but not cause-and-effect relationships. The study relied on people’s self-reported answers, which could be affected by memory or social desirability bias. The findings are specific to Egypt and Jordan and may not apply to other regions.
What the Results Show
According to Gram Research analysis, approximately 36.7% of the 1,181 study participants reported using vitamin D supplements. This rate varied significantly between countries: 45.2% of Jordanians used supplements compared to only 27.2% of Egyptians, a difference that was statistically significant (P < 0.01, meaning this difference is very unlikely to have happened by chance).
The study identified several factors strongly associated with vitamin D supplement use. Women were more likely to use supplements than men. People with higher incomes were more likely to take supplements, suggesting that cost and access play a role. Those with chronic diseases (like diabetes or heart disease) were more likely to use supplements, possibly because their doctors recommended them. Additionally, people who had laboratory tests measuring their vitamin D levels were more likely to use supplements, and those aware of vitamin D deficiency symptoms were significantly more likely to supplement.
Beyond supplement use, the study found that most people in both countries rely on multiple strategies to maintain vitamin D levels. Sun exposure was the most common practice (84.6% of participants), followed by consuming vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish and fortified dairy (79.6%). About half the participants (49.5%) regularly monitored their blood vitamin D levels through testing.
The study revealed important information about where people get their knowledge about vitamin D. The internet was the primary source of information, followed by education received through university or school curricula, and advice from healthcare providers. This suggests that people are actively seeking information about vitamin D from multiple sources, though the quality and accuracy of internet information may vary.
The research also showed that awareness of vitamin D deficiency symptoms was a key factor in supplement use. People who knew about symptoms like fatigue, bone pain, or muscle weakness were more likely to take supplements, indicating that health literacy plays an important role in supplement decisions.
This study adds to existing research showing that vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health issue in the Middle East. Previous research has documented high rates of vitamin D deficiency in the region due to limited sun exposure, dietary factors, and cultural practices. This new study shows that awareness and supplement use are increasing, particularly in Jordan, suggesting that education campaigns may be having an effect. However, the fact that only about one-third of people use supplements indicates there’s still a gap between those who need vitamin D and those taking action to address it.
This study has several important limitations to consider. First, it’s cross-sectional, meaning it captures a single moment in time and cannot prove that one factor causes another, only that they’re associated. Second, the study relied on people’s self-reported answers, which could be inaccurate due to memory problems or people answering what they think researchers want to hear. Third, the findings apply specifically to Egypt and Jordan and may not reflect supplement use patterns in other countries or regions. Fourth, the study didn’t measure actual vitamin D blood levels, so we don’t know if supplement users actually had better vitamin D status. Finally, the study didn’t explore reasons why Egyptians use supplements at lower rates than Jordanians, which could be due to cultural, economic, or healthcare system differences.
The Bottom Line
If you live in Egypt or Jordan and have risk factors for vitamin D deficiency (such as limited sun exposure, chronic disease, or dark skin), consider discussing vitamin D testing and supplementation with your healthcare provider. The evidence suggests that awareness of deficiency symptoms and access to healthcare information are important factors in supplement use. However, before starting any supplement, consult with a doctor who can test your vitamin D levels and recommend an appropriate dose for your individual needs. This is especially important if you take other medications or have certain health conditions.
This research is most relevant to people living in the Middle East, particularly Egypt and Jordan, who may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. It’s also important for healthcare providers, public health officials, and educators in these regions who want to improve vitamin D awareness and supplementation rates. People with chronic diseases, limited sun exposure, or those who have experienced symptoms of deficiency should pay particular attention. However, people living in sunny climates with adequate sun exposure and good dietary sources of vitamin D may not need supplementation.
If you start taking vitamin D supplements, it typically takes 4-8 weeks to see improvements in symptoms like fatigue or muscle weakness. However, blood vitamin D levels take longer to normalize, usually 8-12 weeks of consistent supplementation. Regular monitoring through blood tests (as 49.5% of study participants do) helps determine if your supplement dose is working effectively for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people in Egypt and Jordan actually take vitamin D supplements?
About 36.7% of people surveyed take vitamin D supplements, but the rate varies by country. In Jordan, 45.2% use supplements compared to only 27.2% in Egypt, according to a 2026 study of 1,181 participants.
What factors make someone more likely to take vitamin D supplements?
Women, people with higher incomes, those with chronic diseases, and individuals who have had vitamin D blood tests or know about deficiency symptoms are significantly more likely to take supplements. Awareness of health information also plays an important role.
What are the best ways to get enough vitamin D in the Middle East?
Research shows most people use sun exposure (84.6%), eat vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish and fortified dairy (79.6%), and take supplements (36.7%). Many also monitor blood vitamin D levels (49.5%) to ensure adequate intake.
Where do people get information about vitamin D?
The internet is the primary source of vitamin D information, followed by education from schools and universities, and advice from healthcare providers. These sources significantly influence whether people decide to take supplements.
Should I take vitamin D supplements if I live in Egypt or Jordan?
Consult your doctor, who can test your vitamin D levels and recommend supplementation based on your individual needs. Factors like sun exposure, diet, chronic diseases, and symptoms should guide your decision with professional guidance.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track your daily vitamin D supplement intake (dose and time taken) and record any symptoms like energy levels, bone or muscle pain, or mood changes. Note when you have blood vitamin D tests done and the results, creating a personal record of how supplementation affects your vitamin D status over time.
- Set a daily reminder to take your vitamin D supplement at the same time each day (such as with breakfast). If you’re not currently supplementing, use the app to log your sun exposure time and vitamin D-rich foods consumed, then discuss the results with your doctor to determine if supplementation is needed.
- Create a quarterly check-in to review your vitamin D supplement use consistency, any symptom changes, and schedule regular blood tests (every 3-6 months) to monitor your vitamin D levels. Track which information sources (internet, healthcare provider, education) influenced your supplement decisions to identify your most trusted health information channels.
This research describes patterns of vitamin D supplement use in Egypt and Jordan but does not provide personalized medical advice. Vitamin D supplementation should only be started after consulting with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess your individual vitamin D status through blood testing and recommend an appropriate dose. This is especially important if you have chronic diseases, take medications, or have specific health conditions. The findings of this study are specific to Egypt and Jordan and may not apply to other regions. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding vitamin D supplementation.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.
