Dietary Supplements Maintain Popularity Among Americans, Survey Shows

Nutrition supplements can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet and exercise program – and survey results indicate that most Americans agree. A new Ipsos-Public Affairs survey funded by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) and co-sponsored by General Nutrition Centers, Inc., shows 65 percent of adult Americans consistently take dietary supplements. Furthermore, 69 percent of those questioned reported overall confidence in the safety, quality and effectiveness of supplementation.

The survey, designed to gauge consumers’ confidence in dietary supplements, was conducted among random samples of U.S. adults, both online and via telephone interviews. All results were weighed to represent the U.S. population.

The percentage of those taking supplements in 2006 was consistent with figures reported in 2003, 2004 and 2005 – which all ranged from 62 to 66 percent. While consumer confidence reported over the telephone declined from 78 percent in 2004 to 69 percent in 2006, online results were stronger, with 79 percent of Internet participants indicating overall confidence.

At GNC, consumer confidence is of utmost importance – and the company prides itself on educating its customers on the safety, quality and benefits of its products.

“We work hard to keep consumers up-to-date on the latest product news, current health trends and advancements in health-related scientific research,” said Susan Trimbo, senior vice president of scientific affairs at GNC’s headquarters in Pittsburgh.

Take, for example, GNC’s online library and its free fitness planner.

“GNC.com’s library offers a number of articles on current nutrition, fitness, health and lifestyle information relevant to consumers today,” Trimbo said. “And the fitness planner – a free calorie counter and nutrient analyzer that can be used to set and track fitness goals – offers sample meals and workouts, as well as motivational tips and resources. It is the perfect tool for seasoned athletes, and also those just looking to make some healthy changes in their lives.”

Additionally, GNC suggests anyone interested in nutritional supplementation should talk to his or her own physician, as individual situations and dietary needs vary from person to person. The company also recommends the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements’ convenient, downloadable worksheet for sharing supplement and medication information with a doctor. The worksheet is available here.

In addition to GNC, other sponsors of the supplement use/consumer confidence survey included BASF Corporation, DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., Leiner Health Products, Inc., Mannatech, NBTY, Shaklee Corporation and Zila Nutraceuticals. As part of CRN, these companies are united in their commitment and dedication to good health and wellness.

According to its Web site, CRN is a Washington, D.C.,-based trade association representing dietary supplement industry ingredient suppliers and manufacturers. CRN members adhere to a strong code of ethics, comply with dosage limits and manufacture dietary supplements to high-quality standards under good manufacturing practices. For more information on CRN and the survey, visit www.crnusa.org.