A new study looked at how many Americans take vitamins and dietary supplements from 2011 to 2023. Researchers found that the number of adults using supplements jumped from about half of all Americans to more than 6 out of 10 people. The biggest increases were in popular supplements like vitamin D, probiotics, fiber, and biotin. This trend was consistent across different age groups, races, and education levels. The findings show that Americans are increasingly interested in using supplements to support their health, though it’s important to remember that supplements work best alongside healthy eating and lifestyle choices.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How many American adults take vitamins and supplements, and which ones are most popular over a 12-year period
  • Who participated: Over 29,000 American adults aged 20 and older, surveyed multiple times between 2011 and 2023 as part of a national health study
  • Key finding: Supplement use among American adults increased from 52% in 2011-2012 to 61% in 2021-2023, meaning about 10 more out of every 100 adults started taking supplements
  • What it means for you: Supplements are becoming more common, but this doesn’t mean everyone needs them. Talk to your doctor about whether specific supplements make sense for your individual health needs

The Research Details

Researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which is a large government study that tracks the health of Americans. They looked at five different survey periods between 2011 and 2023, asking over 29,000 adults whether they had taken any dietary supplements in the past month. The researchers then calculated what percentage of all American adults this represented, making sure the numbers reflected the whole country, not just the people they surveyed.

They also looked at whether supplement use was different depending on people’s age, gender, race, education level, weight, and how healthy they felt. This helped them understand if the increase in supplement use was happening equally across all groups of Americans or if some groups were using more supplements than others.

This type of study is important because it shows us real-world trends in what Americans are actually taking. By tracking the same question over many years, researchers can see if supplement use is going up or down and identify which products are becoming more popular. This information helps doctors, health officials, and companies understand what people believe will help their health.

This study is based on a well-respected national survey that has been collecting health information for decades. The large sample size (over 29,000 people) makes the results more reliable. However, the study only asked people if they took supplements in the past month—it didn’t measure whether those supplements actually helped them or if people were taking them correctly. The study also relied on people remembering and honestly reporting what they took.

What the Results Show

The main finding is clear: more Americans are taking supplements now than 12 years ago. In 2011-2012, about 52 out of every 100 American adults reported taking at least one dietary supplement. By 2021-2023, that number had grown to about 61 out of every 100 adults. This 9% increase happened steadily over the years, not all at once.

The increase was seen across all groups of Americans—younger and older adults, men and women, all racial and ethnic groups, people with different education levels, and people with different weights. This suggests that the trend toward using supplements is widespread throughout the country.

Certain supplements became much more popular during this time period. Vitamin D, probiotics, fiber supplements, biotin (a B vitamin), and zinc all showed significant increases in use. These products may have become more popular because of increased awareness about their potential health benefits or because they became more available and affordable.

The study also found that other B vitamins (B1 and B12), vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, and ginger supplements all showed increases in use during this period. Interestingly, the growth wasn’t limited to traditional vitamins and minerals—many plant-based and specialty supplements also became more popular. This suggests that Americans are exploring a wider variety of supplement options than they were a decade ago.

Previous smaller studies had suggested that supplement use might be increasing, but this study provides the clearest picture yet of how widespread this trend is across the entire United States. The findings confirm what many health professionals have observed in their practices—that more patients are asking about and using supplements. The specific supplements that increased most (like vitamin D and probiotics) align with what has been heavily promoted in health media and marketing over the past decade.

This study has some important limitations to keep in mind. First, it only asked people if they took supplements in the past month—it didn’t verify that they actually took them or took them correctly. Second, the study didn’t measure whether the supplements actually helped people or caused any problems. Third, people might forget what supplements they took or might not want to admit they’re taking them. Finally, the study couldn’t explain why supplement use increased—it only showed that it did increase.

The Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about taking a supplement, talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can help you figure out if you actually need a particular supplement based on your diet and health. Some supplements can interact with medications or may not be necessary if you’re eating a balanced diet. Start with the basics: eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins usually provides most of the nutrients you need. (Confidence level: High—this is standard medical advice)

This research is interesting for everyone, but especially for people who are considering starting supplements, healthcare providers who advise patients about supplements, and public health officials who track American health trends. People with specific health conditions or dietary restrictions (like vegetarians who might need B12) may have legitimate reasons to use supplements. However, healthy adults eating a balanced diet may not need most supplements.

If a supplement is going to help you, you typically won’t notice changes overnight. Most supplements need to be taken consistently for several weeks to months before you might see any effects. If you don’t notice any benefit after 2-3 months of consistent use, it’s worth discussing with your doctor whether you should continue.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track which supplements you take daily and note any changes in how you feel (energy level, digestion, sleep quality, etc.) using a simple daily checklist. Rate your overall wellness on a scale of 1-10 each week to see if supplements correlate with any changes.
  • If you decide to try a supplement based on your doctor’s recommendation, use the app to set a daily reminder to take it at the same time each day. This helps you build a consistent habit and makes it easier to track whether you’re actually taking it regularly.
  • Keep a 3-month log of which supplements you’re taking, the dose, and any noticeable effects (positive or negative). Share this information with your doctor at your next visit to discuss whether the supplements are worth continuing. Update your supplement list in the app whenever you start or stop taking something.

This research shows trends in supplement use but does not prove that supplements are necessary or beneficial for everyone. Dietary supplements are not regulated the same way as medications and are not required to prove they work before being sold. Before starting any new supplement, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian, especially if you take medications, have health conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.