Dietary Supplements Nutrition

Findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–1994 (NHANES III) suggest that 40 percent of Americans use dietary supplements. Total sales of dietary supplements in the United States in 2000 were estimated to be 16 billion dollars. Between the years 1990 and 1997, the prevalence of high-dose vitamin (megavitamins) use increased by 130 percent, while the use of high-dose herbal supplements rose 380 percent. Supplement use has been shown to increase with age, is consistent with more healthful lifestyles, and is reflective of higher family income and level of education. Approximately 56 percent of middle-aged and older adults consume at least one supplement on a regular basis.