(211) Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Use and Micronutrient Status

Sunday, August 28, 2022

8:00 AM – 1:45 PM CEST

Location: Hall C

Publication Number: 1256

Presenting Author(s)

Omar M. Albalawi
– Saudi Food and Drug Authority (Saudi FDA), University of Auckland, New Zealand , Riyadh , Al Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Co-Author(s)

Abdulrahman Almarshad
– Executive Directorate for Research & Studies, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Saudi Arabia
Adel A. Alrwisan, PhD.
– Executive Director, Department of Research and Studies, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most used pharmaceuticals worldwide.

Objectives: This study aimed to (i) assess the prevalence of regular NSAIDs use in Saudi adult population, and (ii) to identify whether regular use of NSAIDs is correlated with prevalence of clinically relevant micronutrient deficiencies.

Methods: We used a dataset from a recent nationwide cross-sectional study conducted among Saudi adults from September 2019 to June 2021. The study objective was to examine levels of micronutrients including vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, D, and E) and minerals (copper, iron, manganese, mercury, and zinc) via laboratory tests. The recruitment began with data collected by means of a questionnaire for demographics, lifestyle behavior, dietary intake, diagnosis of chronic conditions, and medication use via random phone interviews. A descriptive analysis was conducted to characterize the prevalence of NSAIDs, and sociodemographic differences among regular NSAIDs users. Micronutrient deficiencies correlation with NSAID use were identified by logistic regression after adjustment of several covariates.

Results: A total of 3448 adults were included for analysis, and 7.1% reported NSAIDs use at least once in a typical week. Females reported a higher prevalence of NSAIDs use than males (74.8% vs. 25.2%). The age groups of 24 to 34 and 35 to 44 years old had the highest prevalence (25.1% and 26.7%, respectively). NSAIDs use was correlated with presence of iron deficient (odd ratio [OR]=1.429; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.89). This difference was not statistically significant after adjustment for confounders (OR= 1.04; 95% CI, 0.77-1.41). Regular use of NSAIDs was correlated with the presence of vitamin B2 deficiency (adjusted OR=1.38; 95% CI, 1.04–1.81).

Conclusions: Our study identified that the prevalence of typical use of NSAIDs is correlated with prevalence of vitamin B2 deficiency. Further well controlled studies should examine this association.