Council for Responsible Nutrition Finds Supplement Use Going Up

According to a survey by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), 69 percent of adults take nutritional supplements, up from 66 percent in 2010, and 64 percent in 2008. The study also found that consumer confidence in supplements remained nearly the same with 84 percent of adult users being
confident in the effectiveness, quality, and safety. In 2010 82 percent of users were confident in supplements, while in 2009, 84 percent were.

Additional findings in the survey include that fish supplement like Omega-3 fish oil supplement use increased, as has glucosamine and chondroitin use. The use of specialty supplements, herbals and botanicals and sports nutrition supplements have also increased.

The use of letter vitamins, like vitamin C, D, and B and B complexes has increased, however seventy-one percent of vitamins users take a multivitamin.

When it comes to why people are taking vitamins and supplements, the main reason was “overall health or wellness benefits, followed by “fill in nutrient gaps in my diet.” Supplement usage also increased with age with 78 percent of people over age 55 taking dietary supplements.

Finally, according to the survey, which was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, women were 74 percent likely to use a supplement, while men were 64 percent likely, the Bradenton Herald reported.