Survey findings pave way for future policies, “demystify” myths of unsafe supplement use

05 Jul 2022 --- A Food Supplements Europe (FSE) commissioned survey unveiled that most supplement consumers read supplement labels and use products safely. More than two-thirds of respondents (69%) stated that it was simple to understand the ingredients information on the labels.

Additionally, 72% of respondents were certain about the safety and quality of food supplements, while 6% disagreed. This research dispels the idea that many individuals do not know how to take food supplements properly by demonstrating that most consumers in the European Union (EU) use them responsibly.

“Given the discussion among decision-makers across the EU on future regulation and policy regarding supplements, such research helps all stakeholders better understand the consumer today across the EU,” Patrick Coppens, director of regulatory and scientific affairs at FSE, tells NutritionInsight.

“The fact that the data confirms that the consumer is choosing and using products responsibly is very important for all involved in setting rules around the sector.”

“This information will assist FSE and its members to help integrate supplementation in policy and to work for legislation that provides the product consumers want without undue restrictions,” adds Coppens.

Widespread consumption
The survey included online questionnaire results from 13,200 adult consumers in 14 EU countries, including Belgium, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

The survey aimed to determine customer attitudes and behavior around dietary supplements.The survey findings showed significant use of supplements, with 88% of respondents having used a food supplement at some point in their lives and 93% of this group did so in the last year.

“The survey findings demonstrate that most people are careful to follow directions of use when taking food supplements,” says Martina Simova, Chair at FSE.

“Concerns are sometimes expressed that supplements might easily be misused by consumers, either wilfully or inadvertently. However, this research shows that these concerns are unwarranted and that consumers are predominantly responsible supplement users.”

The findings also reveal a substantial engagement with and comprehension of product labels. Up to 85% of people who have used supplements strongly agreed or tended to agree that they should follow the manufacturer’s directions for use listed on the package.

Almost the same percentage (82%) claimed that they regularly or always check the label to determine the appropriate dose and frequency of usage.

Supplement type and targeted benefits
According to the survey, 46% of participants used vitamin D, making it the most popular type of dietary supplement. This was followed by magnesium (33%), vitamin C (36%), a multivitamin/mineral supplement (29%) and omega 3 fish oil (19%).

The findings showed that 82% of respondents regularly or always check the label to determine the appropriate dose.When questioned about the reasons for using supplements, more than half of those surveyed (52%) said it was to maintain their general well-being, while 45% said it was to support their immune system.

Additionally, the survey results reveal that 29% of the respondents used supplements for energy. Meanwhile, supplement use for skin, hair and nail health was the reason mentioned by 17% of respondents. Gut or digestive health support was a target of 17% of respondents and 14% mentioned blood pressure or heart health.

The survey findings focusing on the EU are at odds with the US, where the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been slammed for being ineffective. Ethical Inc called out the supplement industry, saying it needs more robust regulation and transparency if consumers are to be able to continue trusting the products on the market.

Moves the FDA took to have more authority over cosmetics and dietary supplements have been met with industry opposition over the FDASLA Act of 2022, arguing this would give the agency too much power.

By Nicole Kerr