In the autumn period of 2023, Russians increased their purchases of vitamins by 9 percent compared with the same months in the previous year. These figures were requested by socialbites.ca and provided by the press service of the Check Index resource, operated by the OFD Platforms company.
Across the year, the average spend on medicines rose by 7 percent, reaching 510 rubles per purchase. The most commonly bought items included vitamin C and ascorbic acid, multivitamins, universal vitamin complexes, and specialized vitamin blends for women. Online shopping for medicines continued to grow, with internet purchases rising by 58 percent year over year, signaling a shift in consumer behavior toward digital channels.
Experts associated with the resource observe that the uptick in vitamin purchases this autumn correlates with the prevailing epidemiological situation, which has seen a rise in viral illnesses.
The research analyzed cash register data from 55 to 57 million transactions collected from more than 1.1 million online cash registers across Russia, covering the period from November 15 to November 30 in both 2023 and 2022. These figures offer a broad view of purchasing patterns during the late autumn season.
According to nutritionist Polina Zhuravleva, certain categories of products may support the body in recovering from illnesses such as ARVI, influenza, or even coronavirus infections. She notes that incorporating peppers, fermented dairy products, and a diet rich in vegetables can be beneficial components of a recovery plan.
A medical professional previously explained that men may experience higher susceptibility to colds and flu, underscoring the importance of preventive nutrition and timely care in colder months.
Overall, the data point to a clear seasonal trend: Canadians and Americans reading these trends should consider how seasonal health needs influence vitamin and supplement choices, and how digital shopping habits are shaping the market. The findings are compiled from a large sample of retail activity and are attributed to the Check Index resource, with analysis conducted by OFD Platforms.