Micronutrient Testing, Supplement Use, and Knowledge Gaps in a National Adult Population: Evidence from Saudi Arabia.

The prevalence of laboratory-confirmed micronutrient deficiency in the study sample was 7.6% for vitamin D, 5.5% for vitamin B12, and 7.0% for iron.

• Total sample size was 1652 participants (52.6% female; mean age 41.3 ± 10.2 years).
• These deficiencies were identified through self-reported laboratory-confirmed results collected via structured questionnaire.
• The study represents the first investigation of all three key micronutrients (vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron) in a single large sample in Saudi Arabia.
• Data were collected in 2025 using a cross-sectional survey design.

Most participants had never been tested for vitamin D, vitamin B12, or iron.

• The finding indicates widespread under-testing for these micronutrients in the adult Saudi population.
• This pattern suggests that true deficiency prevalence may be higher than laboratory-confirmed rates indicate.
• The study identified this as a critical gap warranting expansion of routine laboratory testing.
• Under-recognition was highlighted as a key public health concern alongside deficiency prevalence.

Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with gender, age, education, marital status, physical inactivity, and the presence of chronic conditions.

• Associations were identified using chi-squared tests and network analysis.
• Similar sociodemographic and lifestyle patterns were observed for vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies.
• Physical inactivity was identified as a lifestyle risk factor for vitamin D deficiency.
• Chronic disease history was included as a clinical factor in the analysis.

Public knowledge about micronutrient deficiency was primarily sourced from social media and internet sites.

• 38.1% of participants considered vitamin deficiency a public health concern.
• 96.4% of participants supported awareness campaigns regarding micronutrient deficiency.
• The reliance on social media and internet as primary knowledge sources suggests potential for misinformation and knowledge gaps.
• Knowledge and attitudes were assessed as a dedicated component of the structured questionnaire.

Network analysis was employed alongside descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests to explore complex factor associations with micronutrient deficiencies.

• The study described this as a novel methodological approach for this research area in Saudi Arabia.
• The questionnaire covered demographics, lifestyle, chronic disease history, laboratory testing and supplementation, and knowledge and perceptions.
• The cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2025 among adults residing in Saudi Arabia.
• The self-administered questionnaire was structured to capture multiple domains relevant to micronutrient status.

Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron, are increasingly recognised as public health challenges in Saudi Arabia, yet comprehensive data on prevalence, risk factors, and public awareness remain limited.

• These deficiencies are described as prevalent worldwide and contributing significantly to morbidity.
• The authors state this is the first study to investigate the status of three key micronutrients in a single large sample in Saudi Arabia.
• The study aimed to fill gaps in data on prevalence, risk factors, and public awareness simultaneously.
• The conclusion calls for improved public awareness, expanded routine laboratory testing, and targeted interventions for identified risk groups.