Question

If *most* supplements are not effective and some can cause harm, why is it a $35 billion per year industry and why do over 3/4 of Americans take them?

Answer 1

About 3 out 4 of all Americans take one or more dietary supplements daily or on occasion. Supplements are available without a prescription and usually come in pill, powder or liquid form. Common supplements include vitamins, minerals and herbal products, also known as botanicals. People spend over $35 billion over diet supplement though no clinical trial have prove that they are not effective to health of person.

People take these supplements to make sure they get enough essential nutrients and to maintain or improve their health. But not everyone needs to take supplements.

Why people take vitamins
The survey asked American adults how they decided which vitamins or supplements to take. The top three sources of information were:

• Recommendations from a physician (51 percent)
• Their own research, based on personal needs (39 percent)
• Recommendations from a friend or family member (22 percent)

Why are people attracted to supplement even they have no proven effect

• Picture of herbs and fruits on supplement bottles attract people as people often feel comfortable with herbs .
• People think they are better with supplement then no supplement .
• People have strong belief on supplement products
• People think that they will get enough vitamin and minerals from supplements.

The survey also found 13 percent of Americans choose their vitamins or supplements based on what items interest them in stores, while another 13 percent go off of recommendations from a trainer, exercise professional or nutritionist, and 6 percent base their choices on endorsements by celebrities or social media influencers.

Obviously, there is a great need for real education on this topic, even among health care professionals. Consumers are also cautioned to avoid trends, such as vaping supplements, until the research is conclusive and to be skeptical of gummy vitamins—which are basically sugar tablets.”

Physicians do often prescribe vitamins and supplements for pregnant patients and people with illnesses like intestinal malabsorption syndrome.