Latest CRN consumer survey finds that three quarters of Americans take dietary supplements

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The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN; Washington, D.C.) has shared topline data from its 2023 CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements. According to the survey, 74% of U.S. adults report taking dietary supplements, and 55% are regular users. The survey was conducted online by Ipsos between August 9 and 14 with a nationally representative sample of 3,192 U.S. adults aged 18 and over.

CRN explains in a press release that analysis of the data reveals that people are not just using supplements to fill nutrition gaps but to also support their more active and healthy lifestyles. In fact, 92% of users agree that dietary supplements are essential for maintaining their health, according to responses to a new question included in this year’s survey.

Infographic courtesy of CRN

“Dietary supplements have become a non-negotiable component of so many Americans’ health habits—and this year’s survey data illustrates a consumer who recognizes that dietary supplements are vital to living the life they want to live,” said CRN President and CEO Steve Mister, in a press release. “Today's dietary supplement consumer is confident in their decision to take supplements and reports that using supplements empowers them to take charge of their health and wellness—whether their supplementation habits include supporting their weekly basketball pickup game with products for energy, hydration, or joint health, addressing their need for better sleep with melatonin, or maybe taking a daily probiotic to help make sure their mornings run according to their schedule instead of being dictated by irritable bowel syndrome.”

Survey results also showed that there is more trust and confidence in the dietary supplement industry compared to previous years. For example, the perceived safety and quality of sports nutrition supplements grew 5% to 66% compared to the previous year, and the perceived safety and quality of weight management products grew 4% to 56% compared to the previous year. Overall, 74% of respondents reported trusting the dietary supplement industry, including those who did not take dietary supplements. Among dietary supplement users, 83% reported trusting the industry.

“The CRN Consumer Survey is more than just a random pulse-taking of consumer sentiment, or a bunch of data points pulled from sales numbers,” said Mister. “The strategic advantage inherent in this tool leverages a one-of-a-kind lineage that allows companies to witness transformation over time, to make strategic adjustments, and to better connect with their customers in an extremely noisy and competitive landscape.”