A large number of U.S. adults use and are confident in the benefits of dietary supplements, according to the 2014 Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) Consumer Survey. The survey showed that 68% of U.S. adults reported taking dietary supplements; more than 50% reported being regular users. The majority of U.S. adults (83%) expressed overall confidence in the safety, quality and effectiveness of dietary supplements.

The survey also found the “Vitamins & Minerals” category remains the most popular across all generations of supplement users. “The survey is just another indicator of the important role dietary supplements play for men and women of all ages who are trying to achieve a lifestyle of wellness,” said Judy Blatman, senior vice president, communications, CRN. “Although our industry received its fair share of bad publicity this year, we believe that confidence remains high because people realize there is a legitimate and responsible majority of companies in our industry whose top priority is to ensure product quality so that consumers can not only maintain good health, but also maintain brand loyalty. Smart consumers pay attention to finding the right companies and products for them.”

Findings from the survey pointed to important trends to watch, such as the fact that the gap between male and female dietary supplement users is starting to close, and that product advertising remains one of the least important purchasing factors for supplement users. The survey was conducted Aug. 25-29, 2014 by Ipsos Public Affairs and was funded by CRN. The survey was conducted online and included a national sample of 2,010 adults aged 18 and older from Ipsos’ U.S. online panel. The survey has been conducted annually since 2000.