The prevalence of dietary supplement use among U.S. adults rose from 51% in 1999–2000 to 60% by 2021–2023, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers analyzing data from 63,442 participants identified a marked shift away from traditional multivitamin-multimineral (MVMM) products toward specialized supplements marketed for immune, skin, and anti-inflammatory support, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why are supplement trends shifting?
The move toward targeted supplementation appears to be driven by evolving consumer health priorities and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the JAMA Network Open study, while overall usage remained stable until 2010, the subsequent decade saw a significant uptick in interest for products like zinc, elderberry, and turmeric. Researchers suggest that public perception of immune health and inflammation management became a primary motivator for consumers, leading to a decline in routine MVMM usage in favor of specific, benefit-driven alternatives.
The study found that vitamin D usage saw a substantial increase, jumping from 5.1% in the 1999–2000 period to 29% by 2021–2023.
Who is using supplements the most?
Data indicates that supplement consumption is not uniform across the U.S. population. The study authors observed the largest absolute increases in usage among adults aged 65 and older, with intake rising from 62% to 78%. Other notable demographic shifts included a rise from 33% to 48% among individuals with less than a high school education, and an increase from 32% to 49% among Mexican American participants. These figures suggest that supplement adoption is growing across diverse socioeconomic and age-based groups, rather than being confined to a single segment of the population.
What are the risks of routine supplementation?
Despite the growing popularity of supplements, researchers warn that evidence supporting their routine use for preventing chronic conditions remains insufficient. The study highlights that clinical findings on the benefits of single vitamins or multivitamins for preventing cardiovascular disease or cancer are mixed. Furthermore, the report notes that there is limited data regarding potential adverse interactions between supplements and prescription medications. As the marketplace expands to include complex botanicals and adaptogens, the authors stress that the public should remain cautious about the lack of comprehensive, long-term safety data for many of these products.
Always maintain an updated list of all vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements you take to share with your primary care physician, as some botanicals can interfere with the efficacy of blood thinners and other common medications.
How has the supplement marketplace evolved?
The landscape of available products has undergone a transformation over the last 24 years. While usage of traditional minerals like nickel, silicon, and boron has decreased, there is a clear upward trend in the adoption of trendy ingredients such as ashwagandha, collagen, probiotics, and hyaluronic acid. Analysts point out that this shift reflects a broader consumer trend toward “wellness-focused” supplementation. However, the study authors caution that the lack of standardized classification—where some items are labeled as supplements while others are marketed as foods or beverages—makes it difficult to fully assess the long-term impact of these consumption patterns on public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to take multiple supplements daily?
The study found that the percentage of adults taking four or more supplements rose from 8.8% to 15%. Because evidence on adverse interactions is limited, medical professionals recommend consulting with a doctor before combining multiple products.
Are botanicals like ashwagandha proven to work?
While the study notes an increase in the use of adaptogens and anti-inflammatory supplements like turmeric and ashwagandha, it clarifies that scientific evidence supporting these specific health claims remains mixed.
Why did multivitamin use decline?
Researchers suggest that consumers are increasingly favoring targeted supplements—such as specific vitamins or immune-supporting botanicals—over general multivitamin-multimineral (MVMM) products, a trend that accelerated after 2010.
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