Nutritional Supplement Survey

Interested in learning what Americans think about nutritional supplements? The results of a nationwide telephone survey of 1,010 adults were published in a recent issue of Harris Interactive Health Care News, asking people about their knowledge of nutritional supplements. Here are some selected findings:

What people believe about government regulation and labeling of vitamins, minerals and food supplements sold in supermarkets, pharmacies and health food stores.

• 68% believe that the government requires that supplement labels include warnings about potential side effects or dangers.
  
• 59% believe that supplements must be approved by a government agency like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be sold to the public.
  
• 55% believe that supplement manufacturers are not allowed to make claims for their safety unless there is solid scientific evidence to support them.
  
• 13% believe that supplements are safe because they are natural substances.
  

What people believe about the impact lifestyle, diet and nutritional supplements have on slowing the aging process "a lot".

• Regular exercise (75%)
  
• Not smoking (73%)
  
• Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables (68%)
  
• Not being overweight (66%)
  
• Having close relationships with friends and family members (64%)
  
• Eating a low fat diet (49%)
  
• Vitamin supplements (23%)
  
• Mineral supplements (13%)
  
• Herbs and herbal supplements (12%)
  
• Hormone or Estrogen Replacement Therapy (10%)
  
• Drinking alcohol in moderation (11%)
  
• Hormonal therapies such as growth hormone, testosterone or DHEA.
  

Who is taking nutritional supplements and how often.

• 69% take vitamins, minerals, or food supplements
  
• The median number of pills, vitamins, etc. taken in the last 30 days was 30 (i.e. one per day).
  
• Older people and women were more likely to take supplements.