Washington, D.C., October 19, 2017—Dietary Supplement Usage Increases, Says New Survey
The latest results from an annual survey on dietary supplements reveals an all-time high for supplement usage among U.S. adults, with 76 percent reporting they consume dietary supplements, up five percentage points from last year…”The survey also found that nearly nine in ten (87 percent) U.S. adults have confidence in the safety, quality and effectiveness of dietary supplements overall. Additionally, 76 percent of U.S. adults perceive the dietary supplement industry as trustworthy, up three percentage points from last year. (Council for Responsible Nutrition) So why, as a nation, are we so sick? With diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, arthritis still trending up, what role do supplements play? And are they REALLY safe?
“No supplement seal guarantees the safety or effectiveness of the ingredients in the bottle,” says Sharon Akabas, Ph.D., associate director of educational initiatives at Columbia University’s Institute of Human Nutrition.
So who’s buying vitamins and supplements?
FACT #1 A whole lot of us! Americans spent 122 billion dollars, with a B, on vitamins and supplements in 2016
FACT #2 Many of us don’t know for sure if we NEED to take vitamins and supplements, or if they’re safe!
DON’T waste your hard earned money… but DO these 3 things if you’re using or considering vitamins and supplements:
- Make sure you’re checking containers for markers of safety. Two of the most common seals of safety are CGMP or GMP and USP. This means the manufacturer of the product your’e looking at voluntarily complies with good manufacturing practices.
- Don’t double up. While many vitamins are water soluble and technically you will excrete what you don’t need in urine or feces, not ALL excesses will be excreted without doing some harm.
- Talk to a qualified professional. None is more qualified to help you navigate this world than the Registered Dietitian. Dietitians are the most qualified to assess your nutritional needs and recommend a plan that includes whole foods, and any supplements necessary to fit your unique requirements with supplements that meet or exceed available safety standards.
To learn more about what to look for on a container of vitamins, minerals or other supplement click here, What to look for. Or better yet, see a SMART PLATE Dietitian today, and be sure you’re not flushing your money.