Supplement users rank health care high priority

WASHINGTON The Council for Responsible Nutrition last week issued a survey outlining domestic priorities among dietary supplement users. According to the 2008 CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements, while the economy ranks as the highest priority issue for the largest portion of survey respondents, healthcare issues rank among the top two domestic issues for the majority of surveyed supplement users, as 52% ranked health care as either the No. 1 or No. 2 domestic issue facing the country. As many as 46% of non-supplement users rank healthcare issues as either first or second. Supplement users also tend to place an emphasis on health as a priority in their own personal lives, as reflected in their day-to-day habits when it comes to maintaining overall wellness, CRN stated. When asked to indicate whether or not they agree with the following statements about their personal behaviors, supplement users and non-users responded according to the chart above.

“It’s interesting to note that so many who place healthcare issues as a top priority for the country are also doing what they can on an individual level,” stated Judy Blatman, CRN senior vice president, communications.  “We’re pleased to see that users of our products are taking an active role in maintaining their own wellness regimen though a combination of healthy habits that include efforts for a balanced diet, taking vitamins and other supplements, and engaging in regular exercise.”

The 2008 CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements, formerly known as the CRN Consumer Confidence Survey, was conducted Aug. 20 to 25, 2008, by Ipsos Public Affairs and funded by CRN.  The survey was conducted online and included a national sample of 2,013 adults ages 18 and older from Ipsos’ U.S. online panel.  The survey has been conducted annually since 2000.