Why do people take vitamin and mineral supplements?

Monday 12 May 2008

The Agency has published research carried out to provide a more complete picture of the consumption of vitamin and mineral food supplements in the UK and offer an insight into what motivates people to take such supplements.

The research found that a third (31%) of people surveyed claimed they were currently taking vitamin and mineral supplements and a further 9% that they had done so in the past 12 months. More than two fifths (43%) claimed never to have taken a supplement.

Respondents who had taken a vitamin or mineral food supplement in the past 12 months were asked why they had taken them.

• Nearly six in ten (57%) reported that they had taken supplements for their general wellbeing or to stay healthy. Almost one in five (19%) said they took supplements for a specific benefit, for example to give them shiny hair, strong nails or supple joints.
• Almost one in eight (13%) said they took supplements because their doctor or health professional advised them to. One in ten said they took them to ward off colds.
• Those working full time (11%) were more likely to report that they take vitamins and minerals because they do not think they get a balanced diet, compared with 4% of those working part time and 5% of those not working.

The survey was conducted on GfK NOP’s Random Location Omnibus Survey, which is UK representative. The fieldwork was carried out between 14 and 19 February 2008.