Data shows that three-quarters of American adults regularly take dietary supplements as part of their health and wellness regimen, largely due to a shift toward a more personalized and holistic approach to health maintenance. The majority of supplement users report overall confidence in the safety, efficacy and quality of their supplements, as well as a high degree of trust in the supplement industry. As the industry continues to grow and innovate, Professional Supplement Center strives to provide the highest quality supplement brands that support healthier living.
While a healthy diet is of the utmost concern, a recent annual survey of 200 U.S. based registered dietitian nutritionists (RNDs) found that sixty-six percent of participants recommended both diet and supplements for optimal nutrition. Seventy percent also stated they themselves take supplements four or more times per week. Personally used supplements included multivitamins, minerals, vitamins C, D3, B12 and B-complex, fish oil, calcium, magnesium, biotin, zinc, pre and probiotics, glutathione, colloidal silver, elderberry and protein powders.
More than twenty five percent of the surveyed RNDs recommended supplementing the diet for reasons that included inadequate nutrition, caloric needs, wound care, gastrointestinal or renal problems, healthy aging and overall positive impact on health. The supplements most often recommended were multivitamins, vitamin D3, calcium, probiotics, fiber and protein powders. Increasingly, dietitians are also recommending more specialized supplements like prebiotics, CoQ10, turmeric and collagen.
Per a 2018 Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements, the top reasons for supplement use among those surveyed included:
- Improve or maintain overall health and wellness
- Support energy production
- Meet individual nutritional requirements
- Support immune, bone, heart, joint, eye and gastrointestinal health and function
- Avoid cancer and age-related chronic disease
- Maintain physical and mental health
- Promote healthy aging
- Benefit hair, skin and nails
Some interesting facts about supplement users:
- 78% of those taking supplements are aged 55 and older, 77% are 35-54 years old and 69% are in the 18-34 age group
- Supplement users are more likely to report very good or excellent health
- Supplement use is viewed as a very favorable health and lifestyle choice
- 75% exercise regularly
- 87% try to eat a balanced diet
- 74% prioritize sleep
- 69% maintain a healthy weight
- 80% visit their doctor for health checkups
- 75% avoid tobacco products
Some practical advice for supplement use:
Dosing: Similar to medications, consumers should follow healthcare practitioner advice or adhere to the dosage recommendations listed on the label. Supplements address deficiencies or provide nutrients in addition to those supplied in the daily diet. Fat soluble vitamins including A, D and E, are stored in the liver and adipose tissue and should not be taken in excess. Iron is an essential mineral necessary for oxygen transport, as well as brain, immune and muscle function. Unless found to be iron deficient, adult men and menopausal women do not normally need to supplement with additional iron.
Take as directed: Unless otherwise advised by a healthcare practitioner supplements should be taken according to label directions. Directions are intended to provide information, such as when a supplement should be taken for best absorption. For instance, some supplements should be taken with food, others on an empty stomach. To aid absorption, fat soluble vitamins should be taken with food that contains dietary fat.
Follow a healthy diet. There are meal replacement and protein powders meant to enhance dietary intake. Many supplements are not intended to substitute for food but are meant to provide essential nutrients and fill in nutritional gaps, as well as address deficiencies, dietary restrictions or specific health concerns.
Proper storage: The FDA does not require that supplements have expiration dates listed on packaging. Manufacturers opt to include expiration dates to ensure maximum potency and verify that efficacy is maintained through the expiration date when correctly stored. Some supplements do require refrigeration. All shelf stable vitamins should be stored in a cool dark cabinet, away from heat and high humidity.
Read labels: Active ingredients are the substances that produce intended effects. Herbal products contain plant compounds. Nutritional supplements contain vitamins, minerals or essential nutrients. Supplements containing whole plant ingredients are often standardized to contain specific amounts of active compounds in each serving.
Quality manufacturers avoid products that may cause allergic reactions or that some people may want to avoid in their diet. These could include soy, gluten, wheat, sugar, dairy, nuts, shellfish, hydrogenated oils, animal products, GMO’s and artificial coloring, flavoring and preservatives.
Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements in support of overall health and wellness:
Pro Multi Daily without Copper & Iron by Professional Supplement Center®: This hypoallergenic formulation provides activated vitamins and chelated minerals in support of optimal utilization, foundational wellness and phase I detoxification. Free of wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, dairy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, GMO’s and artificial colors, sweeteners and preservatives.
Vitamin D Complex by Designs for Health®: Each serving of this balanced complex provides 2,000 IU of bioavailable vitamin D3, along with efficacious amounts of synergistic fat soluble vitamins A, E, K1 and K2 in support of overall healthy function. Gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.
MinPro by Professional Supplement Center®: This balanced multi-mineral supplement provides highly absorbable, fully reacted Albion® patented mineral amino acid chelates, malates and mineral complexes in support of mineral repletion, sports nutrition and daily mineral intake. Free of wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, dairy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, GMO’s and artificial colors, sweeteners and preservatives.
Active B Complex by Integrative Therapeutics®: This active B complex provides a full complement of bioavailable B vitamins necessary for multiple biochemical processes and vital bodily functions. Free of sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, dairy, animal products and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Vegetarian formulation.
Prebiotic Superfoods Drink Mix Green Apple by Enzymedica®: This prebiotic supplement provides 50 blended fruit, vegetable and botanical powders to nourish and support the growth and health of beneficial microflora in the gastrointestinal system. Organic fermented barley grass aids digestion, while acacia gum fiber supports optimal elimination. Free of gluten, dairy, casein, soy, eggs and artificial colors and flavors. Non-GMO formulation.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications or have a health condition, always check in with your doctor before taking supplements. Some supplements can interact with prescription medications, raising or lowering their intended effects.
References:
2nd Annual Survey of Registered Dietitian Reveals Two-thirds of Dietitians Recommend Food and Supplements to their Clients and the Majority Take Supplements Daily. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2nd-annual-survey-of-registered-dietitian-reveals-two-thirds-of-dietitians-recommend-food-and-supplements-to-their-clients-and-the-majority-take-supplements-daily-300945310.html
Tips for Taking Dietary Supplements. https://www.knowyourotcs.org/tips-for-taking-dietary-supplements/
New Data Reaffirm Trust and Confidence in Industry, Reveal Modern Trends and Habits of American Consumers. https://www.crnusa.org/CRNConsumerSurvey
Is It Safe to Take Expired Vitamins? https://www.verywellfit.com/is-it-safe-to-take-expired-vitamins-4165676
