A recent study from JAMA Network Open highlights that Americans are increasingly turning to dietary supplements, while multivitamin use is on the decline. Researchers from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed 25 years of supplement use among over 63,000 adults, revealing that overall supplement consumption rose from 51% in 1999 to 60% in 2023. Notably, the increase was most pronounced in adults aged 65 and older, where use jumped from 62% to 78%.
While the trend shows a shift away from multivitamins—down from 35% to 31%—there has been a surge in specific vitamins and supplements such as vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and newer items like ashwagandha and probiotics. The growth of immune support products post-pandemic aligns with the broader wellness and longevity movement as individuals seek targeted health solutions.
Despite this increase, the study does not confirm the efficacy of these supplements. Dietitian Ilana Muhlstein emphasizes the importance of consulting medical professionals over wellness influencers for quality advice. She suggests that a multivitamin can help fill nutrient gaps, especially for those on weight-loss medications like GLP-1, who might consume fewer vitamins and minerals.
Muhlstein highlights the risks of the unregulated supplement market and stresses the need to choose products that have undergone third-party testing for safety and quality.
