05.02.11
More than half (53%) of U.S. adults take one or more dietary supplements, according to a government survey conducted from 2003-2006, up from about 42% in 1988-1994. Data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Multivitamins/multiminerals are the most commonly used dietary supplements, with approximately 40% of men and women reporting use during 2003–2006. Use of supplemental calcium increased from 28% during 1988–1994 to 61% during 2003–2006 among women aged 60 and older. Use of supplements containing folic acid among women aged 20–39 did not increase since 1988–1994. In 2003–2006, 34% of women aged 20–39 used a dietary supplement containing folic acid. Use of dietary supplements containing vitamin D increased from 1988–1994 through 1999–2002 for men and women in most age groups. The percentage of the U.S. population that used at least one multivitamin/multimineral product increased from 30% in 1988–1994 to 39% in 2003–2006, with use more common among women than men.