When it comes to healthy habits, dietary supplement users appear to make healthier lifestyle choices overall compared to non-users, according to a recent study by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), Washington, D.C. This is supported by previous studies, which suggest that supplement users may be more health conscious in many respects than those who don’t take supplements.
 
According to the most recent “CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements,” supplement users engage in the following healthy habits in higher percentages than do those who don’t take vitamins, minerals and other supplements:
 
• “I try to eat a balanced diet;” Supplement users, 84%, non-supplement users, 76%
 
• “I visit my doctor regularly;” Supplement users, 73%, non-supplement users, 62%
 
• “I regularly get a good night’s sleep;” Supplement users, 70%, non-supplement users, 63%
 
• “I exercise regularly;” Supplement users, 64%, non-supplement users, 54%
 
• “I maintain a healthy weight;” Supplement users, 63%, non-supplement users, 57%
 
The study also found that more than two-thirds of U.S. adults take dietary supplements, with 69% of adults reporting as such. When asked why, 58% of supplement users said they took dietary supplements for overall health and wellness; additionally, 42% of supplement users said it was to fill in nutrient gaps in their diet.
 
“Our study suggests that the majority of supplement users tend to be healthy people with positive attitudes about their diets and their overall health. Given the daily challenges so many people face, making smart choices, such as incorporating dietary supplements into an existing wellness routine, can help many people reach their wellness goals and live healthier lives,” said Judy Blatman, senior vice president, communications, CRN.