Dietary Supplement Use Is Rising: Why Your Healthcare Team Needs to Know What You Take
Walk into almost any pharmacy, grocery store or health store and you will see shelves filled with vitamins, minerals, herbal products and wellness supplements promising benefits ranging from better immunity to improved energy, digestion, sleep and joint health.
A new analysis examining 25 years of data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) shows that dietary supplement use among adults has continued to grow, but the types of supplements people are taking have changed significantly. The study reviewed supplement patterns among more than 63,000 adults between 1999 and 2023, providing one of the most comprehensive looks at how supplement habits have evolved over time.
More Adults Are Taking Supplements
The researchers found that supplement use increased substantially. In 1999–2000, about 51% of adults reported taking dietary supplements. By 2021–2023, this increased to 60% of adults.
The largest increase occurred among adults aged 65 and older, where supplement use increased from 62% to 78% over the 25-year period. This trend is particularly important because older adults are also more likely to take multiple prescription medications, increasing the possibility of interactions between supplements and medicines.
Vitamin D, Zinc and Wellness Supplements Are Growing
While traditional multivitamins remain common, the supplement landscape has shifted.
Vitamin D use increased dramatically, from approximately 5% in 1999–2000 to approximately 29% in 2021–2023. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health and immune function, but supplementation should ideally be based on individual needs.
Zinc use increased from approximately 4.6% to 11%. Zinc became particularly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic because of marketing focused on immune support.
Researchers also identified growing interest in turmeric and curcumin, omega-3 supplements, probiotics and prebiotics, collagen, hyaluronic acid, elderberry, and ashwagandha — many marketed for immune health, inflammation, digestive health, skin health, joint health, and stress management.
“Natural” Does Not Always Mean Risk-Free
Many patients assume that supplements are automatically safe because they are natural. However, supplements can interact with prescription medications, affect blood clotting, alter medication absorption, change blood pressure or blood sugar levels, and cause side effects in certain individuals.
Some supplements may affect bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant (blood thinner) medications. Certain supplements may influence blood glucose levels in patients managing diabetes. Some herbal products can interfere with cardiovascular medications.
The risk becomes more important as people age and manage multiple chronic conditions.
Why Your Family Doctor Should Know About Your Supplements
At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we encourage patients to include supplements when reviewing their complete medication list. Your healthcare team needs the full picture: prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal products, natural health products, and protein powders and wellness products. This helps your healthcare providers make safer recommendations.
Supplements Should Complement, Not Replace, Healthy Habits
Research continues to show that the foundation of good health remains balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, preventive healthcare visits, and appropriate screening tests. Supplements may have a role for certain individuals, but they are not a substitute for evidence-based medical care.
The Bottom Line
Over the past 25 years, supplement use among adults has increased significantly, especially among older adults. As the supplement market continues to expand, patients and healthcare providers need open conversations about what supplements are being used, why they are being taken, whether they provide proven benefits, and whether they may interact with medications.
Before starting a new supplement, discuss it with your healthcare team. At Orleans Family Health Clinic, our goal is to provide connected, comprehensive care that considers every aspect of your health, including the vitamins and supplements you take.
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Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
