Community Pharmacists’ Perspectives on Supplying Dietary Supplements to Patients with Chronic Illnesses: A Preliminary Survey in Bulgaria

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the use of food supplements for the prevention and management of various chronic diseases. To better regulate the market, usage, and safety of these products, the European Commission has implemented harmonized regulations to ensure that food supplements provide accurate information and are not misleading. Nevertheless, excessive consumption, unsupervised use by patients, intake above recommended levels, and potential interactions with certain medications can lead to toxicity and significant health risks. This study aims to evaluate pharmacists’ practices in appropriately recommending food supplements to chronically ill patients to enhance pharmaceutical care and minimize adverse effects. An anonymous survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire targeting licensed pharmacists and assistant pharmacists working in community pharmacies across Bulgaria. Findings indicate that most pharmacists are willing to advise patients on food supplements and are capable of participating in the monitoring of chronically ill patients’ supplement use. The survey also revealed that patients frequently seek food supplements and actively request professional guidance. Pharmacists, as readily accessible healthcare providers, have the potential to offer comprehensive guidance on food supplement use to prevent adverse outcomes in chronically ill patients, particularly when supported by additional training in this area.