In a study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed data from 11 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) covering over 63,000 adults from 1999 to 2023. They found that supplement use among U.S. adults rose from 51% to 60%, particularly among older adults, which raises concerns about potential drug-supplement interactions as this demographic often manages multiple health conditions.
The global supplement market is currently valued at nearly $200 billion, with projections suggesting it will double by 2033. Despite the growth, only 25% of supplement users consult healthcare professionals about their use. The evidence about the benefits of many supplements is mixed; while some, like multivitamins for cognitive function, have shown positive effects, routine use for preventing serious health issues like cardiovascular disease lacks strong support.
The study provided a thorough review of nearly 25 years of supplement trends. Notably, while multivitamin-multimineral usage declined, there was an increase in the consumption of individual vitamins and botanicals. Reasons for taking supplements expanded to include supporting immune health, managing inflammation, and promoting gut and skin health.
Certain supplements, like vitamin K and vitamin D, saw increased popularity, while others, such as trace minerals (e.g., vanadium, nickel), declined due to safety concerns. The rise in supplement use between 2009 and 2010 correlated with the growth of health awareness and social media marketing. However, some early popular supplements, like ephedra, fell out of favor due to safety issues.
The researchers emphasize the importance of understanding these trends for healthcare practitioners and public health policymakers, highlighting that consumer perceptions can be significantly influenced by labeling and marketing claims.
For further details, the full study can be referenced here.
