Adopting a nutritious diet and having an active lifestyle is key to a long and healthy life. However, some people find their diets to be lacking in certain vitamins, minerals, and compounds. When this happens, they turn to various supplements that allow them to get the vital substances they need. Unlike drugs and medications that are rigorously tested by the Food and Drug Administration, supplements can’t be marketed for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing diseases.
Despite this, the dietary supplement market is constantly growing. According to a marketing research report, the dietary supplement market size is projected to reach a record value of $307.8 billion by 2026, thanks to a strong compound annual growth rate of 9%. In this post, let’s take a closer look at why more and more people are taking supplements.
People are becoming more health-conscious
The global health crisis has shaped how many approach their health. Today, you can see a lot of people being more mindful of the food they consume and subscribing to preventive healthcare in order to boost their immune systems. Aside from that, people have also sought to fulfill their nutrient deficiencies and improve their immune function through supplementation. Studies show that almost 95% of the population in the United States are not meeting their daily requirements of various vitamins such as vitamin D, E, C, and A. Through dietary supplements, people can bridge the nutritional gap and better prioritize their health.
Heightened supplement testing and quality assurance
Despite having strong biological effects that can greatly impact one’s health, dietary supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as foods. However, the need for more rigorous testing and quality assurance has been recognized by nutraceutical and supplement manufacturers as people today are more mindful and careful of what they ingest. In the dietary supplement industry, being certified by various testing institutions can translate to trust and loyalty in consumers. For this reason, many manufacturers today work with expert analytical laboratories that can perform high-quality, fit-for-purpose test methods.
A contract manufacturing executive highlights how high-quality supplement testing should properly test for the identity, purity, and strength of the ingredients before giving a product their stamp of approval. To do this, they have to employ competent chemists who specialize in medicine and health. Aside from those professionals, healthcare product managers also have a huge role in testing supplements, since their job requires them to be deeply involved in the manufacturing process of drugs and other related products. In addition, healthcare products managers also oversee the creation of a product throughout its life cycle, which can help testing organizations with figuring out the benefits and drawbacks of a certain supplement.
The population is rapidly aging
By 2050, the number of senior adults in the United States is expected to reach 90 million. Because of the aging population in the country, the demand for sufficient healthcare, long-term care, and social services is also expected to increase as this demographic is more prone to developing chronic health problems. This includes diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and depression. As a consequence of this, more older adults are using dietary supplements to boost their wellbeing and have better health in their golden years. In fact, studies show that about 54% of older adults are noted to take one or two supplements every month. These products include omega-3 fatty acids, multivitamins, and vitamin D.
Taking supplements can help you live a healthier and fuller life. However, you should remember that these products are not meant to treat and cure diseases. Before adding a supplement to your daily routine, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to figure out if it can truly improve your life.
