A recent survey highlights the widespread use of dietary supplements among adults in the United States, while raising questions about their actual health benefits. Conducted by the Pew Research Center, the study found that nearly 80 percent of U.S. adults currently take at least one type of supplement, with about one-third reporting the use of protein powders, bars, or drinks.

The survey, which included responses from 3,554 adults, revealed that vitamins and minerals remain the most commonly consumed supplements, taken by 67 percent of participants. Additionally, 25 percent reported using omega-3, fish oil, or krill oil supplements, and close to 20 percent took herbal products such as ginseng or ashwagandha.

Despite the high prevalence of supplement use, medical experts caution that many products may not offer significant health benefits. Dr. Pieter Cohen, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, estimated that over 80 to 90 percent of supplement consumption provides no proven advantages to users.

“There are appropriate instances for supplementation, such as addressing nutrient deficiencies or preventing birth defects,” said Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute. However, he noted that such cases represent a minority of supplement use. Clinical trials have generally not supported claims that omega-3 supplements improve heart or brain health. Likewise, Dr. Topol expressed skepticism about the necessity of protein supplements for most individuals, explaining that typical diets usually supply adequate protein.

The study also found a notable pattern in protein supplement use, with more women than men reporting consumption. Stuart Phillips, a kinesiology professor at McMaster University, described this trend as a recent shift. He suggested that increased attention to women's protein needs on social media might partly explain the change, acknowledging that women are more likely to fall short of recommended protein intake. Dr. Phillips also mentioned the possible influence of GLP-1 weight loss medications, with some users turning to protein supplements to prevent muscle loss associated with these drugs. He emphasized that resistance training remains the most effective approach for building or maintaining muscle mass.

Supplement use appears to have grown steadily over recent decades, according to research led by epidemiologist Elizabeth Kantor from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her study, involving over 63,000 adults surveyed between 1999 and 2023, found that supplement use increased from 51 percent to 60 percent during that period. Both Kantor’s research and the Pew data indicated that supplement use is particularly common among adults aged 65 and older, a group often advised to take multivitamins, calcium, or vitamin D despite mixed evidence of their effectiveness.

The booming global supplement market, valued at approximately $228 billion by industry analysts, reflects persistent consumer interest. However, Dr. Topol voiced caution: “There’s no data to support most of these products, but it enriches your urine.” Experts warn that much of the spending on supplements may not translate into measurable health benefits, underscoring the need for consumers to critically evaluate claims and consult medical professionals before use.