What Percentage of People Take Daily Vitamins?

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition's 2023 survey, 74% of U.S. adults reported taking dietary supplements, with 55% being regular users. These statistics provide a powerful insight into the widespread habit of daily vitamin consumption across different populations and demographics.

Quick Summary

Several surveys indicate that a significant percentage of adults worldwide take vitamins or dietary supplements on a regular basis. In the U.S., studies show over half of adults are regular users, with usage patterns varying by age and gender. In the UK, recent data suggests a similar high prevalence.

Key Points

High US Supplement Usage: In the United States, 74% of adults take supplements, with 55% being regular users, showing a widespread commitment to nutritional supplementation.
Prevalence Varies by Age: Supplement use generally increases with age, with older adults showing the highest rates of multivitamin/mineral (MVM) intake.
Gender Differences in Intake: Across multiple studies, women are more likely to report taking daily vitamins or multivitamins than men.
Regional Differences Exist: While supplement use is high in Western countries like the U.S. and UK, global figures vary, influenced by local health trends and economic factors.
Influencers and Trends Drive Purchase: In addition to doctor recommendations, personal research and social media influencers play a significant role in motivating people to start or change their supplement routines.
Reasons for Supplementation are Varied: People take vitamins for overall health and wellness, to fill perceived dietary gaps, and for specific reasons like boosting immunity.
Effectiveness is Debated: While supplements can address specific deficiencies, evidence is mixed on their ability to prevent chronic diseases in healthy populations, leading major health bodies to prioritize nutrients from whole foods.

Prevalence of Daily Vitamin Use in the United States

Data from the U.S. indicates high rates of vitamin and supplement usage. The 2011–2014 NHANES data showed that 31.2% of U.S. adults aged 19 and older took a multivitamin/mineral (MVM) in the past 30 days. More recent data from 2023 indicates that 74% of U.S. adults take dietary supplements, with 55% being regular users. Usage increases with age, with those 60 and over showing the highest rates (39.4% in 2017–2018). Women also show higher rates of MVM use compared to men (34.0% vs. 28.3% in 2011–2014).

Global Perspectives on Vitamin Supplementation

Supplement use is also prevalent internationally, though rates vary. In the UK, a 2025 report found that about two-thirds of Brits (61%) take supplements daily, with Vitamin D being the most popular. This reflects increased use, potentially due to pandemic-related health awareness. Studies on university students in Iraq showed 29.2% took supplements daily, with 76.5% reporting any vitamin supplement use. In Saudi Arabia, a study found 44.6% of female medical students used vitamin or mineral supplements.

Factors Influencing Daily Vitamin Intake

Several factors contribute to daily vitamin use, including increased health awareness, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Many individuals take supplements believing their diet is insufficient. Socioeconomic status, with higher income often correlating with increased use, can also play a role. While self-research is common, recommendations from healthcare professionals remain influential.

Comparison of Daily Supplementation Trends

Here's a comparison of daily vitamin supplementation trends:


Feature	United States (2023)	United Kingdom (2025)	Iraq (Students, 2022)
Overall Supplement Usage	74% took supplements	>70% took supplements	76.5% took supplements
Regular / Daily Users	55% regular users	~61% daily users	~29% daily users
Most Popular Supplement	Multivitamins	Vitamin D	Multivitamins
Usage by Age (Older Adults)	39.4% (60+)	63% (51-70)	18-25 years only
Influencing Factor	Overall health, filling gaps	Pandemic awareness, immunity	Immunity, physician advice

The Role of Daily Vitamins: Benefits vs. Risks

Daily vitamin use is widespread but has ongoing debate regarding its necessity for those with balanced diets. Supplements are vital for individuals with nutrient deficiencies or restrictive diets. For instance, a study found supplementation helped pregnant U.S. women reduce the risk of inadequate nutrient intake. However, large studies like the Physicians Health Study II have not shown MVMs reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, and organizations like the American Heart Association advise against their use for disease prevention. Some research, like the COSMOS-Mind trial, suggests MVMs might improve cognitive function in older adults. There is also a risk of exceeding tolerable upper intake levels by taking multiple supplements or consuming fortified foods, which can be harmful. Smokers, for example, should avoid high-dose beta-carotene or vitamin A.

Conclusion: A Diverse and Evolving Landscape

In summary, a significant percentage of people take daily vitamins, especially in countries like the U.S. and UK, but this varies based on age, gender, location, and health beliefs. While vitamins can address specific nutrient gaps, major health bodies generally prioritize obtaining nutrients from a balanced diet over relying solely on supplements for overall health and disease prevention. Therefore, while prevalent, the decision to take daily vitamins should be informed by individual needs and professional guidance.

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Multivitamin/mineral Supplements Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition's 2023 survey, 74% of US adults take some form of dietary supplement, with 55% reporting as regular users. This includes multivitamins as a significant component of overall supplement use.

No, a daily multivitamin is not necessary for most healthy people who eat a balanced diet. A varied diet provides the best source of nutrients. However, it can be beneficial for specific groups like older adults, pregnant women, or those with restricted diets.

Research has generally not found a significant link between daily multivitamin use and the prevention of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease or cancer. Major health organizations, like the American Heart Association, do not recommend them for this purpose.

Vitamin and supplement usage increases with age. Studies in the US show that individuals aged 60 and older are more likely to take multivitamins compared to younger adults.

Women are generally more likely to take multivitamins and other dietary supplements than men, a trend seen consistently across various population studies.

Common reasons for taking daily vitamins include improving overall health and wellness, filling perceived nutritional gaps in the diet, and boosting immunity.

Yes, taking excess amounts of certain vitamins, particularly fat-soluble ones, can be harmful. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages and to be aware of the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for each nutrient.