02.28.22
Twenty-five of the 30 most popular supplements of 2021 rose in usage this year, in contrast to 2020 when two-thirds of these supplements declined, suggesting that consumers are beginning to return to pre-pandemic usage patterns, according to a consumer survey conducted by ConsumerLab. For example, ingredients like magnesium or CoQ10 began bouncing back last year (+2.4% and +2.7% respectively), after experiencing declines the year prior. In total, 8,049 consumers responded to the online survey, reporting which dietary supplements they used.
The highest gains in usage rates of supplements on ConsumerLab’s list, compared to usage rates a year ago, were iron (+4.2%) fiber (+4.1%), and melatonin (+3.9%). Supplements which were heavily-studied for associations with positive COVID-19 outcomes, such as zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, quercetin, and elderberry, largely remained flat in usage rates over the past year.
Participants of this survey were subscribed to ConsumerLab.com’s newsletter, which contains product reviews and information including product comparisons, and began in 2002. Respondents are active users of supplements, with over 80.6% taking at least four supplements daily.
In total, the 2021 survey assessed 205 types of supplements and analyzed popularity by respondent age, gender, and frequency of supplement use. Respondents also identified and rated their satisfaction with supplement brands and supplement merchants, with this information slated for publication at a later date.
“The annual survey is a useful indicator of change in the market for dietary supplements and health foods,” Tod Cooperman, MD, president and founder of ConsumerLab, said. “It guides our selection of products to test.”
The highest gains in usage rates of supplements on ConsumerLab’s list, compared to usage rates a year ago, were iron (+4.2%) fiber (+4.1%), and melatonin (+3.9%). Supplements which were heavily-studied for associations with positive COVID-19 outcomes, such as zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, quercetin, and elderberry, largely remained flat in usage rates over the past year.
Participants of this survey were subscribed to ConsumerLab.com’s newsletter, which contains product reviews and information including product comparisons, and began in 2002. Respondents are active users of supplements, with over 80.6% taking at least four supplements daily.
In total, the 2021 survey assessed 205 types of supplements and analyzed popularity by respondent age, gender, and frequency of supplement use. Respondents also identified and rated their satisfaction with supplement brands and supplement merchants, with this information slated for publication at a later date.
“The annual survey is a useful indicator of change in the market for dietary supplements and health foods,” Tod Cooperman, MD, president and founder of ConsumerLab, said. “It guides our selection of products to test.”