Americans taking more supplements than ever, but doctors urge caution

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows supplement use has climbed steadily over the past decade.

Between 2021 and 2023, about 60% of U.S. adults reported taking at least one dietary supplement within the previous month, up from 54% a decade earlier.

More than one-third said they regularly used two or more supplements.

Health professionals believe several factors are driving the trend, including the influence of social media, celebrity wellness routines, and growing interest in natural health approaches.

Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have helped popularize supplement use, often promoting products through testimonials and dramatic transformation stories.

Experts also point to increased interest in preventive health since the COVID-19 pandemic, along with a growing focus on longevity, immune support and overall wellness among aging populations.

While supplements can play an important role for certain individuals, medical professionals caution that taking multiple products without proper guidance may create unintended health risks.

Many consumers unknowingly consume overlapping ingredients by combining multivitamins, beauty supplements, immunity boosters and protein powders. Although some nutrients are safely eliminated by the body, others can accumulate over time and potentially reach harmful levels.

According to experts, excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K, as well as minerals including iron and zinc, may increase the risk of complications ranging from kidney stones and nerve damage to abnormal heart rhythms.

Doctors also warn that supplements can interact with prescription medications and, in some cases, reduce their effectiveness.

Certain herbal products have additionally been linked to liver damage, while concerns remain about product quality and contamination because supplements are not regulated as strictly as medications.

Another concern is that some people may rely on supplements as a substitute for healthy habits.

Physicians emphasize that no combination of vitamins or powders can replace adequate sleep, regular exercise, stress management and a balanced diet.

Despite the warnings, experts acknowledge that supplements remain valuable in specific situations.

Vitamin D supplementation may benefit individuals with deficiencies, while prenatal vitamins are widely recommended during pregnancy. Vitamin B12 is also considered essential for people following vegan or strict vegetarian diets.

Health professionals advise consumers to evaluate their supplement routines with the help of a healthcare provider who can assess nutritional needs, identify unnecessary overlap, and recommend appropriate dosages.

They also encourage shoppers to look for products that have undergone independent third-party testing, which can help verify quality, purity and ingredient accuracy.