CRN Survey: Most Adults Take Supplements

WASHINGTONEighty five percent of U.S. adults are confident in the effectiveness, safety and quality of dietary supplements, according to a survey that was conducted on behalf of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the trade association representing dietary supplement manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.  

Consumer confidence in supplements stands at a two-year high, according to CRN.  

In the Ipsos Public Affairs survey, 68% of respondents revealed taking dietary supplements, with more than half (52%) of U.S. adults having taken a multivitamin in the past year. Other popular supplements included vitamin D (20%), omega-3/fish oil (19%), calcium (18%) and vitamin C (17 percent), CRN noted.

Of those respondents who reported taking supplements, the majority considered themselves regular users.

"The fact that confidence in dietary supplements remains high may be a testament to consumers' understanding that the overwhelming majority of companies in this industry are dedicated to looking out for their customers, and manufacturing and marketing safe dietary supplement products that provide health benefits," said Judy Blatman, CRN's senior vice president of communications, in a statement. "But as an industry, we can't get complacent. We need to continue to improve our track record when it comes to following the law, including good manufacturing practices. We also need to find more ways to help consumers identify those companies that are in compliance with the myriad of regulations, versus those companies that give the industry a bad name." 

Among some other findings:  

·         nearly three-fourths (73%) of supplement users starting taking the products in adulthood;

·         72% of women take dietary supplements, representing a greater percentage than men (64%); and

·         supplement users listed overall health and wellness, filling nutrient gaps in their diet and heart health as the top reasons for taking supplements.

Ipsos conducted the online survey Aug. 12-15, questioning 2,013 adults from its U.S. online panel. The survey is in its 14th consecutive year, according to CRN.