07.01.14
Doctors represent the most reliable resource for consumers looking for information about dietary supplements, according to the annual Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements. The survey, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of CRN, revealed that 55% of supplement users trust a medical doctor/physician for advice and support regarding supplements.
“The patient-doctor relationship is a partnership in which both parties have responsibilities when it comes to communication,” said Duffy MacKay, senior vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, CRN, and a naturopathic doctor. “At a time when consumers are increasingly seeking a proactive role in their health, this survey presents positive indicators that people who take supplements are engaging their doctors in those health decisions.”
With 85% of supplement users reporting they let their physicians know about the supplements they are taking, the survey demonstrates that consumers are upholding their role in the open dialogue. And, according to these supplement users, the same is true for the majority of doctors. In addition to being transparent with their doctors about their supplement use, dietary supplement users are also more likely than non-users to visit their doctors on a regular basis, the survey found.
Not only is it important for consumers to be open with their doctors and other healthcare practitioners about their supplement use, but, according to Dr. MacKay, “Doctors should be open to considering the positive role supplements can have in a healthy lifestyle, as well as taking seriously their patients’ growing interest in preventive healthcare.”
“The patient-doctor relationship is a partnership in which both parties have responsibilities when it comes to communication,” said Duffy MacKay, senior vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, CRN, and a naturopathic doctor. “At a time when consumers are increasingly seeking a proactive role in their health, this survey presents positive indicators that people who take supplements are engaging their doctors in those health decisions.”
With 85% of supplement users reporting they let their physicians know about the supplements they are taking, the survey demonstrates that consumers are upholding their role in the open dialogue. And, according to these supplement users, the same is true for the majority of doctors. In addition to being transparent with their doctors about their supplement use, dietary supplement users are also more likely than non-users to visit their doctors on a regular basis, the survey found.
Not only is it important for consumers to be open with their doctors and other healthcare practitioners about their supplement use, but, according to Dr. MacKay, “Doctors should be open to considering the positive role supplements can have in a healthy lifestyle, as well as taking seriously their patients’ growing interest in preventive healthcare.”