Dietary supplement use among U.S. adults rose from 51% to 60% over a 25-year period [1].
This trend reflects a significant change in how Americans approach preventative health and nutrition. As the population ages, the reliance on targeted supplementation suggests a move toward personalized health management rather than general wellness products.
The findings are based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data analyzing 63,442 individuals [1]. The data covers a period of approximately 25 years, spanning from 1999 to 2024 [1].
Researchers observed a distinct shift in the types of products consumers prefer. While multivitamin-multimineral products have lost ground, single-nutrient supplements have gained popularity [1]. Specifically, adults are increasingly opting for isolated nutrients such as vitamin D and vitamin C [2].
Age is a primary driver of this increase. Adults aged 65 and older are contributing significantly to the higher usage rates [1]. This growth is attributed to an aging population and a general increase in health awareness across the country [1].
The shift toward single-nutrient supplements indicates that consumers may be targeting specific deficiencies or health concerns, such as bone density or immune support, rather than taking a broad-spectrum approach. This transition marks a departure from the traditional multivitamin habit that dominated previous decades [1].
“Dietary supplement use among U.S. adults rose from 51% to 60%”
The transition from multivitamins to single-nutrient supplements suggests a more targeted approach to nutrition among U.S. adults. This trend likely reflects a growing consumer preference for precision health, where individuals address specific physiological needs rather than relying on a general catch-all product. The increase in use among the 65+ demographic further highlights the role of supplements in managing age-related health declines.
