Nutraceuticals or Food Supplements? Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among Adults in Southern Italy

Background/Objectives: Nutraceuticals are increasingly consumed globally, yet public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward these products remain inadequately characterized, particularly in Italy. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding nutraceuticals among adults residing in the metropolitan area of Naples, Southern Italy, and to identify the factors associated with nutraceutical use and digital information-seeking behavior. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and February 2026 using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 495 adults were enrolled. Nutraceutical use in the previous 12 months was reported by 37.8%, while the Internet or social networks were the most cited information sources (49.7%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that nutraceutical use was significantly associated with higher educational level, interest in participating in educational/informative initiatives on nutraceuticals, and non-use of the Internet or social networks to acquire information about nutraceuticals. Internet or social networks use to acquire information about nutraceuticals was associated with younger age, belief in nutraceutical necessity even in the case of a healthy diet, and disagreement with the idea that nutraceuticals are inherently safe because of natural origin. Conclusions: Misconceptions and limited risk awareness regarding nutraceuticals are widespread, indicating the need for clearer, evidence-based public communication. Interventions may combine routine counseling by healthcare professionals with initiatives to strengthen eHealth literacy, particularly for younger adults who frequently rely on digital resources. This combined approach may support safer and more informed decisions about nutraceutical use.