of U.S. adults ages 20 and older reported using a dietary supplement in the previous 30 days.
All adults, 2017-2018SOURCE: NCHS, FEBRUARY 2021
APEX REFERENCE / UPDATED AUGUST 21, 2026
U.S. DIETARY SUPPLEMENT USE STATISTICS
A source-led reference for gym owners, writers, and performance businesses looking for clear context on how U.S. adults use dietary supplements.
THE SHORT VERSION
SUPPLEMENT USE IS COMMON, BUT IT IS NOT ONE UNIFORM HABIT.
The figures below come from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative U.S. health survey. They show reported use in the previous 30 days, not sales, product quality, or whether a supplement is appropriate for any individual.
That distinction matters for a gym retail shelf. Good decisions start with a real member need, clear product information, and a responsible conversation, not a broad assumption about what every person should take.
U.S. ADULT USE / 2017-2018
8 DIETARY SUPPLEMENT STATISTICS TO CITE.
Every figure links to the same original federal source and includes the population and survey period it describes.
of women ages 20 and older reported using a dietary supplement in the previous 30 days.
Women, 2017-2018SOURCE: NCHS, FEBRUARY 2021of men ages 20 and older reported using a dietary supplement in the previous 30 days.
Men, 2017-2018SOURCE: NCHS, FEBRUARY 2021of men ages 20 to 39 reported using a dietary supplement in the previous 30 days.
Men ages 20-39, 2017-2018SOURCE: NCHS, FEBRUARY 2021of women ages 20 to 39 reported using a dietary supplement in the previous 30 days.
Women ages 20-39, 2017-2018SOURCE: NCHS, FEBRUARY 2021of adults reported using four or more dietary supplements in the previous 30 days.
All adults, 2017-2018SOURCE: NCHS, FEBRUARY 2021of adults ages 20 to 39 used a multivitamin-mineral supplement, the most common supplement type for that age group.
Adults ages 20-39, 2017-2018SOURCE: NCHS, FEBRUARY 2021of adults ages 20 to 39 used an omega-3 fatty acid supplement in the previous 30 days.
Adults ages 20-39, 2017-2018SOURCE: NCHS, FEBRUARY 2021WHAT THE DATA SHOWS
AGE AND AUDIENCE MATTER WHEN YOU READ THE NUMBERS.
In this survey, reported supplement use rose with age for both women and men. Among adults ages 20 to 39, the most common supplement type was multivitamin-mineral supplements. Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid supplements followed as the next two most common types for that age group.
These figures are useful context, not a prescription. A gym can use them to understand the category more clearly while keeping product conversations tied to training habits, individual goals, and appropriate professional guidance when health questions get personal.
EXPLORE THE APEX GYM PARTNER PATHMETHODOLOGY & SOURCES
HOW TO USE THIS PAGE.
Primary source
All eight statistics come from National Center for Health Statistics, Dietary Supplement Use Among Adults: United States, 2017-2018, NCHS Data Brief No. 399, published February 2021. The report analyzes National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data collected in 2017-2018.
What is measured
The source measures adults age 20 and older who reported using any dietary supplement in the past 30 days. It does not measure gym membership, supplement spending, brand preference, outcomes, or product suitability.
Last reviewed
This reference was last reviewed on August 21, 2026. Apex will refresh it when a newer comparable public source is available, while keeping these statistic anchors stable for citations.
SUGGESTED CITATION
Apex ID Performance. “U.S. Dietary Supplement Use Statistics.” Updated August 21, 2026. https://apexidp.com/dietary-supplement-statistics. Data source: National Center for Health Statistics, 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
FOR GYM OWNERS
KEEP THE RETAIL CONVERSATION USEFUL.
A focused supplement offer can support the training floor when it stays clear, responsible, and built around the people already putting in the work.