The expected effect varied depending on the type of health supplements. (image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Feb. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — Among a variety of health supplements, vitamin supplements were named the top-selling item in South Korea.
The state-run Korea Agro‑Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. (aT) conducted an online survey of 800 local consumers, 76 percent of whom (multiple answers possible) said that they had bought vitamin supplements in the past, followed by red ginseng products at 68 percent, lactic acid and probiotic products at 63.8 percent and Omega 3, EPA, and DHA-containing supplements at 57.9 percent.
For women, the buying experience rates for lactic acid and probiotic products (44.4 percent), calcium products (44.4 percent) and collagen products (38.5 percent) were more than 10 percentage points higher compared to men.
As for the reason behind the purchase of health supplements, the largest share of women (23.4 percent) cited concerns about physical health and immunity, while the largest share of men (21.8 percent) mentioned their desire for the maintenance of health in the future.
The expected effect varied depending on the type of health supplements.
To strengthen immunity, respondents showed preference for red ginseng products. Multivitamins were opted for to supplement nutrition, while lactic acid products were consumed primarily to improve stomach health.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
