Background. In the contemporary era, consumers have become cognizant of the choices they make, particularly in relation to a healthy lifestyle and having a positive impact on their body and its functioning. In response to this growing emphasis on health and well-being, a range of functional products have emerged. These products aim to support bodily functions without the need for additional supplementation or specialized diets. The range of functional products available is extensive, catering to diverse demographics including infants, children, adolescents, the elderly and individuals with specific needs such as athletes or patients in recovery. However, there is a lack of information regarding consumer awareness of functional products. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the population’s knowledge of functional products and their health-promoting effects on the human body. The study’s significance lies in its capacity to assess the awareness of contemporary consumers regarding functional products. The respondents were given the opportunity to learn about the health-promoting and beneficial effects of these products on the body, thus expanding their knowledge of functional products.
Results and conclusions. The survey results indicated that the term „functional products” was more widely known among women and those with higher education. The consumption of these products was found to be higher among residents of rural areas and small and medium-sized towns than among those living in cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. The findings of this study indicated that individuals with a higher educational background were more likely to report the beneficial effects of functional products on health, in comparison to respondents with a different educational background. Irrespective of gender and age, the respondents reported an enhancement in their health following the consumption of these products.