Nearly half of Americans feel they're not getting the nutrients they need
MADISON, N.J. — A new survey from Prevention and Centrum released Thursday found that although more than 75% of Americans believe it is fairly easy to get recommended daily values of vitamins and minerals by eating a healthy, balanced diet, nearly half of those polled are concerned they may not be getting enough of one or more key nutrients.
“These findings show that though most Americans think it’s easy to get the recommended amount of vitamins and nutrients, few are confident in their own diets,” said Holly Phillips, contributing editor, Prevention and health and medical contributor, CBS News. “Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential, but these findings also suggest Americans do not fully understand the vital role of key vitamins and minerals and how they need to be part of our daily routine.”
Nearly all Americans (88%) say that eating a balanced diet and achieving a healthy weight are important in their lives, but when it comes to how they look and feel, what they eat and drink (71%) is just as important as their hairstyle (71%), and less important than their wardrobe (77%) or how much they weigh (85%). While most Americans say nutritional content factors into the groceries they buy (80%) and meals and snacks prepared at home (75%), the findings reveal different behaviors:
Just 24% of Americans actually spend a lot of time looking at the nutritional content of the foods they eat and buy versus 74% who rarely ever look at or just glance at nutritional content; and
Among those who do look at nutritional content (spend a lot of time or just glance), more are concerned about calories (72%) and fat content (61%) than vitamin and minerals types (33%) or amounts (30%).
More than three-fourths (76%) of Americans say they are confident they know which vitamins and nutrients they need, yet most (63%) also agree it is impossible to keep up with so much conflicting nutrition news. The survey also gauged respondents’ knowledge about the benefits of specific vitamins and minerals:
Nearly half (48%) are concerned they may be lacking enough of one or more key nutrients;
Both vitamin D and calcium are at the top of the list of nutrients that most concern these Americans. However, half or more of respondents were unsure about the foods that can provide essential nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin A and vitamin E; and
Few could correctly indicate the health benefits of essential nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin A.
Among those concerned that they may not be getting enough of one or more key nutrients, 60% have not changed their diet in the past year to increase the amount of vitamins and minerals they are consuming. One-in-five respondents (22%) have actually been told by a doctor that they have a nutrient deficiency, yet more than half (56%) of overall Americans report that they don’t take a multivitamin that can help fill dietary gaps.
“The scientific evidence from numerous nutritional studies demonstrates that many Americans don’t get enough nutrients from food alone,” said nationally recognized nutrition expert, Elisa Zied, author of "Younger Next Week." “There is a strong and persuasive body of evidence to demonstrate the benefits of a complete daily multivitamin, such as Centrum, which includes the six essential nutrients many people don’t get enough of from food alone."
GfK conducted the survey from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1, 2014, on behalf of Prevention and Centrum. GfK surveyed a total of 1,006 U.S. adults ages 18 years and older using the GfK online KnowledgePanel.