Prevalence of Supplement Use in the U.S.
Dietary supplement use remains a widespread trend in the United States, with recent data consistently showing a high percentage of the population using these products. Annual surveys, such as those conducted by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) in partnership with Ipsos, indicate that around three-quarters of Americans are supplement users. This figure is supported by data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A substantial portion of these users, 55%, are considered regular consumers. The sustained demand contributes to a growing market, projected to reach $86.65 billion by 2030 in North America.
Demographics of Supplement Consumers
Supplement consumption varies across different demographic groups based on factors like age, gender, income, education, and race.
Usage Patterns by Gender and Age
Data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2017–2018 highlights these variations:
- Gender: Women (63.8%) reported higher supplement use than men (50.8%).
- Age: Usage increases with age for both sexes. For women, it rose from 49.0% in the 20–39 age group to 80.2% for those 60 and over. For men, it increased from 35.9% to 67.3% across the same age groups. Nearly a quarter of adults aged 60 and over (24.9%) reported taking four or more supplements.
Income, Education, Race, and Ethnicity
Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on NHANES data indicates that supplement use is more common among individuals with higher household incomes and education levels. Conversely, lower-income individuals are less likely to be supplement users. Pre-pandemic data from 2017–2020 also showed that non-Hispanic white and Asian adults reported higher usage compared to non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults.
Popular Supplement Types and Motivations
Americans commonly use several types of supplements, driven by various health goals.
Most Commonly Used Supplements
The most popular choices include multivitamins, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Other frequently used supplements are Vitamin C, Calcium, Botanicals/Herbs, Probiotics, and Protein/Amino Acids.
Reasons for Supplementation
Consumers primarily take supplements to maintain overall health and wellness. Other significant motivations include filling potential nutritional gaps, boosting immune function (especially during the COVID-19 pandemic), and supporting specific health concerns like bone or heart health.
Comparison of Supplement Usage Statistics
This table presents a comparison of data from various sources illustrating trends in American supplement consumption.
| Source/Survey Year | Statistic | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|
| CRN/Ipsos 2024 | 75% are supplement users | Consistent high overall usage rate. |
| CRN/Ipsos 2023 | 74% are supplement users, 55% regular users | Stable overall usage, majority are consistent users. |
| FDA (March 2024) | Approximately 75% of Americans take supplements | Confirms CRN figures from a regulatory perspective. |
| CDC/NHANES (2017-2018) | 57.6% of adults used any supplement in past 30 days | Provides more granular data on recent usage and demographic splits. |
| NIH/NHANES (2011-2014) | 52% of adults took at least one supplement | Older data shows a lower, but still significant, usage rate. |
| CDC/NHANES (2017-2018) | MVM use: 39.4% (age 60+), 24.0% (age 20-39) | Shows multivitamin usage increases with age. |
Conclusion
Approximately 75% of Americans consistently use dietary supplements, making them a common part of health routines. This high usage is driven by desires for general wellness, immune support, and addressing potential dietary deficiencies. While supplement use is widespread, it is more prevalent among older adults, women, and those with higher income and education levels. As the market continues to develop, these trends highlight a significant national focus on nutritional health through supplementation.
For additional information on dietary supplements and related research, authoritative sources such as the National Institutes of Health [https://ods.od.nih.gov/] and the Council for Responsible Nutrition are valuable resources.
Supplement Use by the Numbers
- 75% of Americans: A 2024 CRN survey indicates that approximately three-quarters of Americans are dietary or nutritional supplement users.
- Age and Gender Differences: Older women are the most frequent users of dietary supplements, with use increasing significantly with age for both sexes.
- Top Supplement Types: Multivitamin-mineral supplements, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids consistently rank as the most commonly used supplements.
- Primary Motivation: The most frequently cited reason for taking supplements is to maintain or improve general health and wellness.
- Higher Income, Higher Usage: Studies show a positive correlation between higher household income and increased prevalence of dietary supplement use.
- Regular vs. Occasional Users: Approximately 55% of Americans are regular supplement users, indicating consistent intake is a habit for many.
FAQs
What percentage of American adults are regular supplement users?
According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition's 2023 survey, 55% of the general population qualifies as "regular" supplement users, who take supplements consistently.
Which demographic group is most likely to take dietary supplements?
Older women are the most frequent users of dietary supplements. Data from 2017-2018 showed that 80.2% of women aged 60 and over reported recent supplement use.
What are the most common types of supplements that Americans take?
The most common supplements are multivitamin-mineral supplements, followed by vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid products.
Why do most Americans take dietary supplements?
The most common reason cited is to maintain or improve general health and wellness, with immune health also a significant motivator for many.
Does household income affect supplement use in the U.S.?
Yes, higher household income levels are associated with a higher prevalence of supplement use. Individuals with lower incomes are less likely to use supplements.
Do children and adolescents also take supplements?
Yes, a CDC report found that about one-third of children and adolescents used dietary supplements in the 30 days leading up to the 2017–March 2020 survey.
Is taking supplements associated with a healthier lifestyle?
Studies suggest that supplement users often exhibit other healthy behaviors. For instance, regular users are more likely to report eating a balanced diet and visiting their doctor regularly.
How does supplement use vary by race?
Based on prepandemic 2017–2020 data, non-Hispanic white and Asian adults reported higher supplement use compared to non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults.
Did the COVID-19 pandemic influence supplement consumption?
Yes, supplement consumption increased during the pandemic, particularly for products related to immune health.
Are there risks associated with excessive supplement use?
Taking multiple products or high doses of supplements can lead to excessive nutrient intake. For example, smokers should avoid high doses of certain vitamins like beta-carotene.
Is taking a multivitamin necessary if you eat a healthy diet?
The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines emphasize meeting nutritional needs through food first, but fortified foods and supplements can be helpful when this is not possible.
Can supplements be taken as a substitute for a healthy diet?
No, supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet and do not provide the full range of nutrients found in whole foods.
