Global consumers spent more than $177 billion dollars on dietary supplements in 2023, with at least a quarter of that ― roughly $45 billion or more ― purchased by Americans, according to a study by Grand View Research, a U.S.-based research and marketing firm.
Those numbers are expected to keep mushrooming over the next decade due to a surge in individual nutritional awareness and an aging population.
Approximately 59 million Americans use some type of vitamins or supplements regularly, spending an average of $510 annually, according to greatgreenwall.org.
They are everywhere: Gummies, protein shakes and other myriad supplements that increase a body’s supply of critical vitamins and minerals.
However, most of us don’t even need those supplements ― especially if we concentrate on eating a balanced diet daily.
Remember that “healthy food pyramid” poster from elementary school? Follow that, and many Americans could pocket what they would spend annually in over-the-counter supplements.
“For most people, they don’t need multivitamins or supplements. If you have a well-balanced diet and you’re able to eat nutritious foods ― fruits, vegetables, etc. ― you don’t need a multivitamin or a supplement,” said Dr. Matthew Silvis, vice chair of clinical operations for Penn State Health Family and Community Medicine and medical director of primary care sports medicine for Penn State Health. “The broad answer is most people don’t need them, despite the multibillion-dollar industry that the vitamin industry is. But there are populations of individuals who do need to consider a multivitamin or a supplement. And that is individualized.”
Examples of those include pregnant women who may need more folic acids than they would get in their normal diets; osteoporosis patients who could benefit from calcium and Vitamin D; and vegans or those suffering from Celiac disease who may need a multivitamin containing a combination of supplements such as iron, B12, Vitamin D, copper and zinc.
How do you balance the cost of a full stack? This stuff adds up fast.
How do you deal with the ‘beta-alanine tingles’? I actually kind of like them.
I’ve been sleeping on my mineral intake. This was a great reminder to fix it.