Dietary supplement usage in U.S. hits all-time high
Dietary supplement usage among adults in the United States has hit an all-time high, with 76% reporting they consume dietary supplements, up five percentage points from last year’s results, according to a survey commissioned by the Council for Responsible Nutrition.
Dietary supplement usage among adults in the United States has hit an all-time high, with 76% reporting they consume dietary supplements, up five percentage points from last year’s results, according to a survey commissioned by the Council for Responsible Nutrition. The survey found that nearly nine in 10 (87%) U.S. adults have confidence in the safety, quality, and effectiveness of dietary supplements overall. Additionally, 76% of U.S. adults perceive the dietary supplement industry as trustworthy, up three percentage points from last year.
In terms of the types of supplements being taken, the survey found that vitamins/minerals are the most commonly consumed supplement category, consistent with the previous surveys, with 75% of U.S. adults saying they have taken these in the past 12 months. The second most popular category is specialty supplements (38%), followed by herbals/botanicals (29%), sports nutrition supplements (22%), and weight management supplements (15%).
Overall health/wellness benefits are the main reason cited by supplement users for taking dietary supplements (46%). Three in ten (30%) consume supplements to fill nutrient gaps in their diet and similar proportions (28%) use them for energy. Of those who do not take dietary supplements, nearly half (45%) say they might consider taking supplements in the future if a doctor recommended it to them.