Who Takes Dietary Supplements? And Why?

of U.S. adult females of U.S. adult males 77of U.S.% adults 79% 74% take dietary supplements

81% of adults 79% of adults 70% FACT: Adults 18–34 are more likely 35–54 of adults to report a preference for gummies, take supplements 55+ take supplements 18–34 powders, liquids, and soft chews take supplements than users 35 and over.

of U.S. adults take supplements for overall health/ 30% wellness benefits The top reason Americans take supplements is for overall 83%of U.S. adults with health and wellness benefits children under “Maintaining followed by: 18 in the household my health” 24% Energy take dietary supplements is what motivates 20% Immune health parents to take dietary 19% To fill nutrient gaps supplements. 18% Healthy aging 18% Heart health

2019 CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements www.crnusa.org/2019survey Vitamins & Minerals 96% of supplements users have overall Growth in vitamin D use among supplement users, age 55+ confidence in the safety and quality of vitamins and minerals, the most popular category of dietary supplements. 48% Who takes a multivitamin? The multivitamin has remained the most popular dietary supplement for more than two decades. The popularity of the multivitamin may be because it meets the 46% 46% “functional” needs of the consumer.

Who takes vitamin D? Vitamin D is the second most popular 43% 43% supplement, especially among the 55+ n=~1,500 age category with nearly 50% of supplement users taking it in 2019. 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

What does the science say? What does the science say? What does the science say? Research shows vitamin D plays an Government research demonstrates Research also demonstrates that calcium important role in bone health, immune that Americans do not get enough plus vitamin D supplementation can function, and maintaining cardiovascular vitamin D from food alone. The most reduce the risk of total fractures and hip health. Recent studies have also found recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans fractures in middle-aged to older adults. an association between vitamin D identify vitamin D as a shortfall nutrient supplementation and reduced risk of of public health concern. cancer death.

Specialty Supplements Growth in probiotics use among supplement users, age 35–54 75% of supplement users have overall confidence in the safety and quality of this category. Probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids are the most widely used specialty supplements. Fiber and melatonin are 19% also among the more common specialty supplements with melatonin use increasing from 10% to 14% in the last year. 17% Who takes probiotics? 16% Probiotics continue to show overall growth 15% every year both in use and in the market. These live organisms have the highest reported usage among women aged 13% n=~1,500 35–54, followed closely by men aged 18–34. 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Growth in protein use among supplement users, male vs female Probiotics continue to be popular supplements in the industry as there is a growing body of evidence supporting What does the science say? What does the science say? probiotic supplementation. Scientific evidence demonstrates the There are more beneficial bacteria than benefit of probiotics for gut health there are cells in the human body, and like and immune health. If you look at the essential nutrients, probiotics are essential totality of the research on probiotics, the to good health. evidence supports their use as a safe way of preventing digestive problems and maintaining good gut health. Herbals & Botanicals Growth in vitamin D use among supplement users, age 55+ 72% of dietary supplement users have overall confidence in the safety and quality of this rapidly growing category. With 50% of total supplement users taking these products, the category has grown by 19 percentage points since 2015. Growth in green tea use among Increasing popularity of trending ingredients like green tea, 19% turmeric and CBD contribute to the increase in usage of supplement users herbals and botanicals. 16% 16% Growth in turmeric use among 14% supplement users 13% 12% 14% NEW DATA IN 2019 Users under 35 are more likely to 9% report taking CBD 7% OF12 SUPPLEMENT % than those 55+ USERS TAKE 5% n=~1,500 (19% and 6%, CBD respectively). 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Sports Nutrition & Growth in protein use among supplement users, all age groups Weight Management 41% 39% 39% Growth in probiotics use among supplement users, age 35–54 63% of supplement users have overall confidence in the safety and 18–34 quality of sports nutrition dietary 28% 35–54 supplements, while 53% report 22% 55+ confidence in the safety and quality 21% 31% of weight management supplements. 21% 17% Who takes protein? 16% 15% Protein remains the most popular ingredient in both the sports nutrition 13% 13% and weight management categories, n=~1,500 especially among males and the 9% 18–34-year-old age group. Protein 7% use continues to be higher among 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 males than among females.

Growth in protein use among supplement users, male vs female MANAGE EXPECTATIONS 30% Don’t expect quick fixes! If you MALE 24% 28% are taking dietary supplements USERS and experience immediate or 17% dramatic effects, similar to 15% FEMALE what you might experience 26% USERS from a drug, that may be a 21% 24% signal that you are taking a 14% spiked product. For your own 13% n=~1,500 safety, stop taking the product 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 and seek the counsel of a healthcare practitioner. Dietary supplement users are more likely than non-users to practice healthy habits.

“I EXERCISE REGULARLY.” “I REGULARLY GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP.” 71% USERS 71% USERS

53% NON-USERS 61% NON-USERS

“I TRY TO EAT A BALANCED DIET.” “I MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT.”

USERS 86% USERS 69%

75% NON-USERS 66% NON-USERS

“I VISIT THE DOCTOR REGULARLY.”

USERS FACT: 54% of dietary supplement users consulted 80% their primary care physician about supplement use. 18% consulted a pharmacist; 15% a physician’s 65% NON-USERS assistant; 14% a nurse practitioner; and 13% a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

“I don’t feel a need” is the top reason why Americans choose not to take dietary supplements. However, non-users might consider taking dietary supplements...

If a doctor recommended If my them to me. 49% insurance covered them. 27%

If I could expect immediate STEER CLEAR results. 23% Avoid supplement products that make drug-like claims, promise to work instantly, or promise miracle results! If I made a decision to try to 22% If another healthcare be healthier. professional besides a doctor recommended them to me. 15%

2019 CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements www.crnusa.org/2019survey