07.01.11
A recent survey conducted on behalf of the Vitamin Shoppe, Inc., North Bergen, NJ, found that 60% of U.S. adults currently take a vitamin or supplement. For this survey, carried out by Wakefield Research, 1000 U.S. adults were asked a series of questions intended to shed light on America’s vitamin and supplement habits.
Of those who take vitamins, more than 70% of respondents said they feel more confident about their health when they are taking a vitamin.
Multivitamins are the most popular supplement, with 75% of respondents reportedly taking the supplement regularly. Other top supplements taken by those who consume vitamins were: vitamin D (52%), vitamin C (49%), calcium (45%), B vitamins (43%), fish oil (42%) and iron (25%).
“It’s very difficult to eat the recommended daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables to satisfy our bodies’ nutrient needs,” said Sharon Richter, a registered dietician based in New York City. “A great way to fill in the nutritional gaps is with a vitamin and supplement regimen—it’s simple and fits seamlessly into today’s fast-paced lifestyle.”
Starting on a vitamin regimen was not an impulse decision for many Americans. Nearly half (46%) began taking a vitamin based on the recommendation of an expert, one-third (34%) wanted to improve their health generally, and one in 10 (9%) wanted to feel better about themselves.
Interestingly, The Vitamin Shoppe survey found only 38% of moms and dads take a daily vitamin, compared to 56% of non-parents. Even fewer parents pass on this habit to their children. Only 34% of kids get a daily vitamin.
For those who do not take supplements, 43% feel they do not need vitamins with a balanced diet, 22% think they would never remember to take them, and 9% feel vitamins are too expensive.
As for gender differences, 65% of women count taking a vitamin as one of the things they do to stay healthy, compared to just more than half of men (55%). When it comes to exercise, 70% of men hit the gym for 30 minutes or more each week, compared to 65% of women.
Of those who take vitamins, more than 70% of respondents said they feel more confident about their health when they are taking a vitamin.
Multivitamins are the most popular supplement, with 75% of respondents reportedly taking the supplement regularly. Other top supplements taken by those who consume vitamins were: vitamin D (52%), vitamin C (49%), calcium (45%), B vitamins (43%), fish oil (42%) and iron (25%).
“It’s very difficult to eat the recommended daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables to satisfy our bodies’ nutrient needs,” said Sharon Richter, a registered dietician based in New York City. “A great way to fill in the nutritional gaps is with a vitamin and supplement regimen—it’s simple and fits seamlessly into today’s fast-paced lifestyle.”
Starting on a vitamin regimen was not an impulse decision for many Americans. Nearly half (46%) began taking a vitamin based on the recommendation of an expert, one-third (34%) wanted to improve their health generally, and one in 10 (9%) wanted to feel better about themselves.
Interestingly, The Vitamin Shoppe survey found only 38% of moms and dads take a daily vitamin, compared to 56% of non-parents. Even fewer parents pass on this habit to their children. Only 34% of kids get a daily vitamin.
For those who do not take supplements, 43% feel they do not need vitamins with a balanced diet, 22% think they would never remember to take them, and 9% feel vitamins are too expensive.
As for gender differences, 65% of women count taking a vitamin as one of the things they do to stay healthy, compared to just more than half of men (55%). When it comes to exercise, 70% of men hit the gym for 30 minutes or more each week, compared to 65% of women.
