Emerging Patterns in Dietary Supplement Use Among US Adults, 1999-2023.

Our assessment

This study, published in a 2026 journal, analyzed 25-year trends in dietary supplement use among US adults from 1999 to 2023. Researchers used data from 11 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a large, nationally representative cross-sectional study. The design allows researchers to track how supplement use has changed in the general population over time, including any shifts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How it works

What this means for you is that the study provides a big-picture view of what supplements Americans are taking and how those choices have evolved. By examining data from thousands of participants across multiple years, the researchers can identify emerging patterns, such as the rise of certain products like vitamin D or melatonin. This helps public health officials and individuals understand which supplements are becoming more popular and why, though the study does not prove that any specific supplement caused a health benefit.

Safety profile

Data not available. The provided abstract does not include any side effect information or adverse event reports from the FDA. The study focuses on population-level trends in supplement use, not on the safety or side effects of individual supplements.

Our recommendation

Because this is a trend analysis, it highlights what other people are doing, not what you should do. A good approach is to use this information as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider. If you are considering a supplement, ask your doctor about the specific product and dosage that might be right for you, based on your individual health needs and any medications you take NIH ODS ↗ FDA FAERS ↗.