Graça, ÂnniaAfonseca, GiovanniDelgado, LeviniorMidões, CristianaNascimento, LuísArduino2025-10-302025-10-302025Graça, Ânnia; Afonseca, Giovanni; Delgado, Levinor, Midões, Cristiana; nascimento, Luís 82025). Impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the consumption of immunological supplements among higher education students. 13th APLF Annual Conference. Aveiro. ISSN 2042-0986. 16:5, p. 63-642042-09862042-0994http://hdl.handle.net/10198/34899Scientific evidence has shown that supplementation with micronutrients, including vitamins C, D, and E, as well as zinc and selenium, plays a key role in supporting immune function, thereby helping to reduce susceptibility to infections, including respiratory infections. In addition, recent analyses have shown that the use of nutritional supplements, particularly antioxidants and vitamins, can be beneficial during the post-COVID-19 recovery process, promoting an improvement in overall health and reducing persistent chronic inflammation. Objectives: To characterize the consumption of immune supplements before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic among students at the Health School of the Polytechnic University of Bragança. Methods: Descriptive-correlational study, based on an online survey with 19 questions, applied to health students enrolled in 2021/2022 (⩾18 years old). The sample (n=320) was calculated based on a 95% confidence interval and 5% margin of error. Results: The majority of students (77%) reported awareness of immune supplements, and 63.5% stated they used them to support immune health. Consumption increased in 71.7% of cases after the start of the pandemic, with 85.4% indicating use only during specific periods. The most commonly used supplement contained vitamin C. Decisions to use supplements were primarily personal (40.4%) or based on informal advice. Notably, 56.3% began supplementation after the pandemic began. Conclusion: The findings reveal lasting changes in the health behaviours of higher education students, with a high perceived usefulness of immune-related food supplements even after the peak of the pandemic.engImmnune supplementshealth studentscovid 19conference object10.1177/ 20420986251379201