Milly Gaines
Dietary supplements are used by a large proportion of the adult population in the United States, with over two-thirds of adults taking them. The most common types of dietary supplements used by adults are multivitamin-minerals, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. While supplement use has increased across all age groups, it is notable that younger adults, particularly those aged 18-34, are increasingly turning to dietary supplements. This trend is contributing to an overall boost in supplement usage, with the oldest population surveyed (aged 55+) still maintaining the highest percentage of supplement use at 74%.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age group | 57.6% of adults aged 20 and over reported using any dietary supplement in the past 30 days during 2017-2018. |
| In 2020, 69% of 18-34-year-olds reported taking dietary supplements. | |
| In 2016, 70% of adults aged 18-34 and 70% of those aged 35-54 reported using dietary supplements. | |
| In 2015, 65% of adults aged 18-34 and 68% of adults aged 35-54 reported taking dietary supplements. | |
| Sex | A higher percentage of women (63.8%) reported dietary supplement use than men (50.8%) during 2017-2018. |
| For both sexes, dietary supplement use increased with age during 2017-2018. | |
| Types of dietary supplements | Multivitamin-mineral, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, botanicals, calcium, and vitamin B12 were the most common types of dietary supplements used by adults during 2017-2018. |
| Reasons for taking supplements | The top two reasons for taking supplements are "overall health/wellness benefits" and "energy". |
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What You'll Learn
- year-olds: 69% take supplements, up from 65% in 2015
- year-olds: 70% take supplements
- + year-olds: 74% take supplements, the highest percentage
- Women: 63.8% take supplements, compared to 50.8% of men
- Children and adolescents: Few supplements are recommended, but some take them under a health provider's recommendation
18-34-year-olds: 69% take supplements, up from 65% in 2015
Dietary supplement use is on the rise, with a large growth in the market, especially in protein supplements and vitamins. In 2016, 71% of US adults (over 170 million people) took dietary supplements, up from 68% in 2015. This number continues to increase, with 57.6% of adults aged 20 and over reporting the use of any dietary supplement in the past 30 days during 2017-2018.
Younger adults are a key driver of this increase, with 69% of 18-34-year-olds taking supplements in 2020, up from 65% in 2015. This age group's usage has grown faster than any other, with the percentage of supplement users aged 20-39 increasing from 34.7% in 2007-2008 to 42.5% in 2017-2018.
The most common types of dietary supplements used by 18-34-year-olds are multivitamin-minerals (24%), vitamin D (6.7%), and omega-3 fatty acids (5.4%). Vitamin C (5.2%) and botanicals (5.1%) are also popular choices for this age group.
The reasons for taking supplements vary, but the top three reasons among supplement users overall are "overall health and wellness benefits", "energy", and "to fill nutrient gaps in my diet". The high level of confidence Americans have in dietary supplements may also contribute to their popularity among younger adults.
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35-54-year-olds: 70% take supplements
While there is no specific mention of 35-54-year-olds being the primary age group that uses diet supplements, we can infer that this age group is likely to be significant consumers of dietary supplements. Data from 2017-2018 shows that dietary supplement use increased with age, with 35.9% of men and 49% of women aged 20-39 using supplements, and these figures rising to 67.3% and 80.2% respectively for those aged 60 and over.
The use of dietary supplements has been steadily increasing across all age groups. From 2007-2008 to 2017-2018, the percentage of adults aged 40-59 using supplements rose from 51.4% to 59.2%, while for those aged 20-39, it increased from 34.7% to 42.5%. This trend suggests that individuals in their mid-thirties to mid-fifties are likely to be significant consumers of dietary supplements, with a substantial proportion already taking them regularly.
There are several reasons why this particular age group may be inclined to take dietary supplements. Firstly, as people age, their bodies may require more of certain vitamins and minerals than when they were younger. For instance, vitamin D and calcium are essential for maintaining strong bones at any age, but bone loss becomes a more significant concern as people get older, increasing the risk of fractures. As a result, older adults may need to supplement their diets with additional vitamin D and calcium to prevent deficiencies.
Additionally, certain health conditions become more prevalent with age, and specific supplements can help address these issues. For example, vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining healthy red blood cells and nerves, and while older adults may not need more of this vitamin, some may have trouble absorbing it from food. As a result, doctors often recommend B12 supplements or fortified foods to older individuals.
Furthermore, some research suggests that specific supplements may offer additional benefits to this age group. For instance, folic acid and B-complex vitamins have been linked to a reduced risk of stroke, while multivitamins have been associated with a lower risk of cancer and cataracts in men.
However, it is essential to approach dietary supplements with caution. While supplements can be beneficial for people with diagnosed deficiencies or specific medical issues, most healthy individuals should aim to obtain their vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet. Additionally, there is limited evidence that supplements provide significant health benefits for otherwise healthy people, and excessive consumption of certain vitamins or minerals can be harmful.
In conclusion, while there is no definitive data specifying 35-54-year-olds as the primary consumers of dietary supplements, the available information suggests that this age group is likely to be a significant contributor to the market. Individuals in this age range may be motivated to take supplements due to changing nutritional needs, age-related health concerns, and the potential for reduced risk of certain diseases. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating supplements into one's routine, as they can guide individuals in making informed decisions about their health and nutrition.
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55+ year-olds: 74% take supplements, the highest percentage
Dietary supplements are used by a large number of people in the United States, with over two-thirds of the adult population taking them. In 2016, 71% of US adults, or 170 million people, took dietary supplements, according to the CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements. This survey also found that the oldest population surveyed, adults aged 55 and above, had the highest percentage of supplement use at 74%. This age group's supplement use has been steadily increasing over the years, from 66.9% in 2007-2008 to 74.3% in 2017-2018.
The most common types of dietary supplements used by adults aged 60 and over are multivitamin-minerals (39.4%), vitamin D (36.9%), and omega-3 fatty acids (21.8%). Calcium is also a common supplement for this age group, with 19.2% taking it, along with vitamin B12 (12.4%). These choices often reflect the desire to fill nutrient gaps in one's diet, with "overall health and wellness benefits" being the top reason for taking supplements. Energy has also become an important factor, with 30% of supplement users seeking an energy boost.
The high usage of dietary supplements among the 55+ age group may be influenced by a variety of factors. Firstly, as people age, their nutritional needs change, and they may require additional support to maintain their health. Older adults may have different dietary requirements and may use supplements to ensure they obtain the necessary nutrients. Additionally, older individuals may experience a decrease in their body's ability to absorb certain nutrients from food, making supplements a more efficient way to meet their nutritional needs.
Another factor contributing to the high usage of supplements in this age group could be the increased awareness and accessibility of dietary supplements. The nutritional supplement industry has experienced significant growth, and with it, there is greater availability, variety, and marketing of supplements targeted at older adults. This increased accessibility, coupled with the convenience of incorporating supplements into one's daily routine, may contribute to the high percentage of supplement users in the 55+ age group.
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Women: 63.8% take supplements, compared to 50.8% of men
Women are more likely than men to take dietary supplements, with 63.8% of women reporting supplement use compared to 50.8% of men. This gender disparity in supplement consumption persists across all age groups, with women consistently outnumbering men in terms of supplement usage.
The use of dietary supplements has been steadily increasing over the years, with age-adjusted supplement use among all adults rising from 48.4% in 2007-2008 to 56.1% in 2017-2018. This increase is particularly notable among younger adults, with a significant jump in supplement usage among those aged 18-34. In 2015, 65% of young adults reported taking supplements, while in 2016, this number increased to 70%, and in 2020, it rose even higher to 69%.
Several factors contribute to the growing popularity of dietary supplements among younger generations. One reason is the shift in the primary reasons for taking supplements. While historically, the top reasons were "overall health and wellness benefits" and "filling nutrient gaps in my diet," energy has now become the second most common reason for supplement use, especially among younger adults.
Additionally, the nutritional supplement industry has experienced significant growth, with a particular focus on protein supplements and vitamins. This expansion has made supplements more accessible and appealing to younger consumers, who are incorporating them into their health regimens.
It is worth noting that the use of dietary supplements varies depending on the type of supplement and the age group. For example, multivitamin-mineral supplements are the most common type of supplement used by adults across all age groups, with 24.0% of those aged 20-39, 29.8% of those aged 40-59, and 39.4% of those aged 60 and over taking them. Vitamin D is the second most common supplement, with its usage increasing with age: 6.7% for ages 20-39, 17.4% for ages 40-59, and 36.9% for ages 60 and over.
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Children and adolescents: Few supplements are recommended, but some take them under a health provider's recommendation
Dietary supplement use is common among children and adolescents in the United States. During 2013–2014, approximately one-third of children and adolescents (persons aged ≤19 years) in the United States were reported to have used a dietary supplement in the past 30 days. The most common dietary supplement used by this age group was multivitamin-mineral products, at 23.8%. Other common dietary supplements used by children and adolescents include calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, fibre, melatonin, and botanical products.
The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that nutritional needs be met primarily through food consumption. However, it is recognised that dietary supplements might be useful in some cases to compensate for underconsumed nutrients. Dietary supplement use might mitigate nutrient shortfalls but could also lead to an intake above the recommended upper limit for some nutrients. Therefore, only a few dietary supplements are recommended for children and adolescents and only under particular conditions.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that pediatric healthcare providers inquire about dietary supplement use among patients. This is because dietary supplement use is fairly prevalent among US children and adolescents and contributes to their overall total nutrient intake. Surveillance of dietary supplement use, combined with nutrient intake from diet, is an important component of monitoring nutritional intake in children and adolescents to inform clinical practice and dietary recommendations.
NHANES will continue to provide information on dietary supplement use among children and adolescents to help inform clinical practice and policy, such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a 2016 survey, the oldest population surveyed (adults aged 55 and above) maintained the highest percentage of dietary supplement use at 74%. However, the survey also indicated a boost in supplement consumption among younger adults, with 70% of adults aged 18-34 and 70% of those aged 35-54 reporting dietary supplement use.
The top two reasons for taking supplements are "overall health and wellness benefits" and "to fill nutrient gaps in my diet". Energy has also been cited as a reason for taking supplements, with 30% of supplement users choosing this option.
As of 2016, 71% of US adults, or over 170 million people, take dietary supplements.
The five most common types of dietary supplements are multivitamins, vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin B/B complex.
From 2007-2008 to 2017-2018, the use of dietary supplements among US adults increased from 48.4% to 56.1%. This increase was observed across all age groups.
