The dietary supplement market is experiencing significant growth and shows no signs of slowing down in the near future. Whether it is to address nutritional deficiencies or manage specific health conditions, Americans are increasingly turning to pills, powders, liquids, gummies, and bars in the hope of improving their overall well-being.
With a shift toward self-directed healthcare, consumers are placing greater emphasis on preventive measures and opting for nutraceuticals over prescription drugs. While established product categories will contribute to a large portion of this growth, there is also expected to be a significant portion from entirely new product lines.
“Dietary supplements have become an essential part of the health regimen for many Americans, and this year’s survey data clearly demonstrates that consumers recognize the vital role of supplements in living the life they desire,” said CRN President and CEO, Steve Mister.
“Most of the products found on grocery store shelves cannot be replicated in our own kitchens,” explained chiropractic doctor and nutritional consultant, Nathalie Matte. She refers to them as “fake food” due to the extensive use of preservatives to prolong shelf life.
Matte advised individuals to always search for the root cause of their symptoms and listen to their own bodies.
For example, obstetricians often recommend pregnant or lactating women to supplement their diet with folic acid, iron, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients. Similarly, as people age, they may require increased protein, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 intake.
Medical professionals also recognize that certain medications, such as loop diuretics used for fluid overload conditions, can deplete potassium and magnesium, essential electrolytes for a healthy heart.
Dr. Chaney, a prominent figure in the field, created a Venn diagram to help determine the need for supplementation. According to him, the more overlapping circles there are, the more likely an individual would benefit from supplementing their diet.
One concerning aspect of the dietary supplement industry is the absence of a standardization process enforced by the FDA. This lack of regulation ensures batch-to-batch inconsistency and makes it difficult to identify specific chemicals or markers that qualify for product control.
Dr. Chaney highlighted that quality-control tests are expensive, and many supplement companies skip them, putting products on shelves regardless. Despite quality issues leading to lawsuits and trouble with the FDA, this remains a serious problem in the industry.
According to Dr. Chaney, finding high-quality supplements requires asking important questions, including the number and types of quality-control tests conducted by a company.
It is important to note that the industry standard is to test for approximately 105 pesticides. However, reputable companies utilize the more expensive Pesticide Analytical Manual (PAM) screening, which tests for 325 pesticides.
Furthermore, certain supplements like St. John’s Wort can affect the breakdown and effectiveness of other medications. Adjusting the timing of supplement intake can often help avoid such interactions.
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