Supplement Users More Likely To Practice Healthy Habits

WASHINGTONPeople who take dietary supplements seem to make healthier choices compared to those who don't, according to a survey from Ipsos Public Affairs and the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

Consistent with years past, the survey found 68 percent of U.S. adults take dietary supplements, and they are more likely than non-supplement users to also engage in other healthy habits. The online survey included a national sample of 2,006 adults ages 18 and older from Ipsos U.S. online panel.

Its clear that supplement users, for the most part, are not just popping pills in lieu of putting in the hard work it takes to be healthy, but instead are very health conscious and view their supplement use as one of the things they do to promote good health," said Judy Blatman, senior vice president, communications, CRN. There is no magic bullet for good health, and supplement users seem to understand the importance of combining, rather than isolating, healthy practices. Its the total lifestyle thats going to help you feel good and stay fit, and taking supplements are one piece of that lifestyle."

 About 77 percent of adults believe taking supplements is a smart choice for a healthy lifestyle. When asked why they take supplements, 53 percent of supplement users said they took dietary supplements for overall health and wellness, and 35 percent said it was to fill in nutrient gaps in their diet.

At 76 percent, the multivitamin was the most popular dietary supplement among supplement users, according to the survey. This is also consistent with data from years past.

In a similar 2012 survey, consumers said they make healthier choices, such as eating more fruits and vegetables, smoking cessation and exercising more regularly, when they start taking vitamins.