Vitamin and mineral supplements have been popular ever since the early 1940s. These vitamin statistics reveal that more than one-third of Americans take supplements to make up for vitamin deficiency. But we need to ask ourselves, “Are multivitamins necessary, or is Big Pharma just trying to get us to spend more money?”
As the obsession with dietary supplements becomes more intense, we want to reveal some of the most interesting facts and stats on multivitamins and answer this and many other burning questions you might have. So keep reading to find out more.
But first, let’s take a look at some of the vital stats and facts on multivitamins.
The Top 10 Vitamin Supplement Statistics and Facts
- The body needs 13 essential vitamins for normal cell function, development, and growth.
- Our bodies require 15 essential minerals.
- Gummy vitamins are one of the most popular types of vitamins.
- More than two-thirds of US adults take dietary supplements.
- Online vitamin and supplement sales in the US have reached $18.3 billion in 2020.
- B-complex vitamins, vitamin D magnesium, and iron can help with weight loss.
- Vitamin D supplement helps fight sunburn.
- There are 7 types of vitamin B.
- Vitamin E can help repair damaged cells.
- 50% of the US population has vitamin D deficiency.
Keep reading to find out more about the vitamin/minerals/supplements (VMS) industry and the health benefits of these products.
What are Vitamin Supplements?
1. Vitamins are organic compounds that are required in small amounts to sustain life.
(Medical News Today)
Most vitamins are present in food in small quantities. Not following dietary recommendations may result in vitamin deficiency, since our bodies can’t synthesize them. All vitamins have different roles, and we need them in varying quantities.
2. There are two main groups of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble.
(MedicineNet, VeryWellHealth)
The difference between fat- and water-soluble vitamins is how these vitamin groups are stored in our organism. Fat-soluble vitamins are usually absorbed in fat globules which go through the lymphatic system of the small intestines and into the blood circulation within the body. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in body tissues.
Conversely, water-soluble vitamins do not stay in the body for long and therefore need to be replaced more often than their fat-soluble counterparts. Water-soluble vitamins are quickly absorbed into tissues to allow for immediate use.
3. The body needs 13 essential vitamins for normal cell function, development, and growth.
(VeryWellHealth)
Our bodies require the following four types of vitamins that are fat-soluble:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
We also need nine water-soluble vitamin types, and they include:
- Vitamin B complex (B1, B2, B3, B6, Folate, vitamin B12, biotin, pantothenic acid)
- Vitamin C
4. Our body also needs minerals to function correctly.
(OnHealth, MedlinePlus)
Our bodies need minerals for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, heart, and brain. Like vitamins, they’re also divided into two major groups: macrominerals and trace minerals (microminerals). Both groups are equally important, but we need trace minerals in smaller amounts.
5. Our bodies require 15 essential minerals.
(MedlinePlus)
According to the facts about vitamins and minerals, minerals are essential for making enzymes and hormones. They’re usually absorbed through food, but in some cases, there’s a need for supplementation. The essential minerals are:
- Macrominerals that include calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulfur.
- Trace minerals (or microminerals) that include cobalt, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc.
However, depending on the medical issues and medications, some people may need different amounts of these minerals.
6. Vitamin facts state that taking 5 times the recommended dietary intake (RDI) of zinc, iron, selenium, and chromium can be toxic.
(Better Health Channel)
High doses of water-soluble vitamins can become toxic, and taking more folate than recommended can hide vitamin B12 deficiencies. There have been cases where people take 100 times the RDI of vitamins, stopping the work of their anticonvulsant drugs.
7. The vitamin absorption rate depends on 3 factors.
(LiveStrong)
There are very few studies on vitamin absorption rates by brand, so each company has its own claims. It’s not easy to determine the absorption rate for each product since it depends on the individual’s digestive capabilities, which change with age.
The absorption rate also depends on the enteric coating — some pills need an enteric coating as protection from stomach acids, so they can make it safely to small intestines. Moreover, the absorption of some vitamins is influenced by other nutrients. For example, calcium absorption is enhanced by vitamin D.
Facts About Vitamins and Vitamin Products
Vitamins and minerals are available in several forms — liquid, powder, pill, etc. The type you need depends on your preferred way of taking them and how they work with your body. Some are available only in the form of a capsule or pill, while others are more efficient and work faster in liquid form.
8. Studies show that our bodies use 98% of liquid supplements.
(ConsumerLab.com, Medicare)
Moreover, the vitamin statistics reveal that liquid extracts need one to four minutes to assimilate, while pills and tablets need 20–30 minutes to break down. Liquid vitamins are better for people with digestion problems caused by gastric surgery or people who can’t swallow pills.
9. Vitaminwater contains 40% of vitamin C, but it also has 13 grams of sugar.
(HowStuffWorks)
Vitaminwater is packed with vitamins. Besides vitamin C, it has 20% of vitamin B3, B6, B12, and B5, each, as the vitamin water facts state. Additionally, it has 150 mg of potassium. However, vitaminwater is also packed with carbohydrates, sugar, and it has between 100 and 125 calories per serving.
10. Gummy vitamins are one of the most popular types of vitamins.
(Healthline)
Gummy vitamins are chewable vitamins that come in a variety of flavors, colors, and shapes. Their taste and texture are similar to gummy candies, which makes them the perfect source of daily vitamins for children or adults who don’t prefer taking pills.
Vitamin Sales Statistics
11. Vitamin sales increased by 40% in 2018.
(Rakuten Intelligence)
The online sales of vitamins and supplements are increasing at such quick rates that they’re growing about 12% faster than the rest of the ecommerce industry.
12. Vitamin sales reached almost $31 billion in revenue in 2018.
(Statista)
When it comes to the popularity they have in America, supplements and vitamins mostly owe it to the people’s increasing interest in health and wellness. Namely, 33% of the surveyed consumers claim they use dietary supplements for wellness and health.
13. Vitamin supplement statistics reveal that 54% of online vitamin shoppers are women.
(Rakuten Intelligence)
Millennial women make up almost a third of this group, boosting the online sales of vitamins and supplements. On average, they spend $24 on this category.
14. More than two-thirds of US adults take dietary supplements.
(Statista)
A 2018 survey has discovered that 69% of the US population takes dietary supplements and spends $73.32 on average, creating a large growth in the market, according to the vitamin and supplement industry statistics.
15. Online vitamin and supplement sales in the US have reached $18.3 billion in 2020.
(IBISWorld)
Between 2015 and 2020, the vitamin and supplement market has grown by 17.4% per year, which is faster than the overall economy. Furthermore, it’s expected to grow by 15% in 2020.
16. The market is supposed to reach $210.3 billion by 2026.
(Reports and Data)
According to the current analysis, this revenue will be achieved with the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%.
Interesting Facts About Vitamins and Minerals
17. B-complex vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, and iron can help with weight loss.
(Healthline)
Vitamins and supplements are very helpful when it comes to losing weight. B vitamins keep the metabolism healthy and help the body process carbs, fats, and proteins, while vitamin D maintains the immune system. Additionally, iron helps the body create energy from food, and magnesium is essential for the production of energy.
18. People who don’t eat meat may need up to 80% more iron, as mineral and vitamin statistics reveal.
(Healthy Food Guide)
On average, our body absorbs only 18% of the iron we eat, but this percentage increases to 25% when we consume meat. Additionally, people who avoid meat need up to 50% more zinc.
19. Vitamin D supplementation lowers the risk of respiratory infections by 12–75%.
(Harvard University)
Research suggests that in addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, supplements and vitamins can reduce the risk of viral infections. Taking multivitamin benefits people of all ages, and reduces the risk of virus-related respiratory infections, whether they have a chronic illness or not.
20. Vitamin D supplement helps fight sunburn.
(JID)
It helps with inflammation and reduces swelling and pain if taken shortly after experiencing the sunburn. Aloe vera is also a good addition.
21. Studies show that vitamin D reduces fibromyalgia pain.
(Ovid)
Women are more likely than men to experience fibromyalgia pain, and vitamin D is helpful in reducing it.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
22. People with high amounts of vitamin A in their diet are 6% less likely to break a bone.
(Healthline)
However, stronger bones aren’t the only benefit of a vitamin A-rich diet. Eating tuna, salmon, butter, kale, carrot, spinach, mango, and papaya, will increase the levels of vitamin A in the body. This protects your eyes from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), decreases your risk of developing certain types of cancers, and improves your immune system.
Vitamin A nutrition facts also reveal that this vitamin reduces the risk of getting acne and is essential for a healthy reproductive system.
23. There are 7 types of vitamin B.
(MedBroadcast.com)
The vitamin B complex turns food into energy. Here’s more information on its benefits:
- Vitamins B1 and B2 can be found in cereals, potatoes, pork, seafood, and they help with energy production and enzymes that affect the muscles, nerves, and heart.
- Vitamin B3 is found in chicken, nuts, beans, and it maintains healthy skin, digestion, and nervous system.
- Vitamin B5 and vitamin B12 — facts reveal — are responsible for growth and development and can be found in almost all foods.
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) keeps the immune and nervous systems healthy and builds blood cells. It can be found in fish, meat, bananas, and dried beans.
- Vitamin B7 (biotin) helps the body produce hormones, and is found in bananas, mushrooms, watermelon, grapefruit, and egg yolks.
- Vitamin B9 (folic acid, folate) aids the production of blood cells and creates and maintains DNA. When it comes to prenatal vitamins, statistics reveal that it’s essential to take folic acid during pregnancy to aid the development of the fetus. Citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, peas, and wheat bread are especially rich in vitamin B.
24. Taking 100 mg of vitamin C per day reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases in non-smokers.
(NUTRI-FACTS, NIH)
Our bodies require vitamin C for the biosynthesis of collagen, L-carnitine, and some neurotransmitters. Vitamin C is also an essential antioxidant, which regenerates other antioxidants in the body, as vitamin C facts show. Fruits and vegetables are especially rich in this vitamin.
25. Vitamin D protects us from type 1 diabetes.
(MedicalNewsToday, Holland & Barrett)
It also regulates calcium levels, keeping our bones healthy, and it protects us from the flu. Pregnant women, infants, and the elderly can benefit from vitamin D; it keeps their muscles strong, protects them from heart disease, and keeps their brain safe from dementia.
Vitamin D is one of the essential nutrients in dairy and milk, according to the vitamin D facts, but fatty fish, like tuna, salmon, and mackerel, are also rich in it, and so are mushrooms, beef liver, and fortified cereals and juices. Our body can also create vitamin D when exposed to the sun.
26. Vitamin E can help repair damaged cells.
(Healthline)
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and it describes eight different compounds that protect our cells from damage and prolong their life. It also gives our body protection from exposure to air pollution, cigarette smoke, and, according to the vitamin E facts, high exposure to ultraviolet rays from sunlight. Roasted seeds and nuts, boiled spinach and broccoli, kiwi, mango, and tomato are all rich in this vitamin.
27. Vitamin K improves episodic memory in the elderly.
(MedicalNewsToday)
Vitamin K is also essential for blood clotting, regulating calcium levels, and bone metabolism. It decreases the risk of bone fractures, osteoporosis, and prevents mineral build-up in the arteries. Oils, fruits, and leafy green vegetables are the best sources of vitamin K.
Vitamin Deficiency Statistics
28. Vitamin A deficiency affects 190 million preschoolers globally.
(CDC)
Children with vitamin A deficiency are at risk of blindness and even death caused by infections like diarrhea and measles.
29. 50% of the US population has vitamin D deficiency.
(NCBI)
Additionally, one billion people globally suffer from vitamin D deficiency, which leads to overall weakness, muscle aches, fatigue, muscle twitching, and bone fractures.
30. One in 60 babies is affected by vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).
(CDC)
The CDC vitamins chart shows that babies who don’t receive a vitamin K shot at birth are 81 times more likely to develop VKDB, which leads to internal and external bleeding, causing organ damage and death.
31. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia.
(Healthline
Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA and red blood cell production. The elderly and vegans are at a high risk of developing this vitamin deficiency, which causes mouth ulcers, tongue inflammation, anemia, weakness, and blurred vision.
FAQs
What do vitamins do for the body?
Vitamins are vital nutrients for the body, essential for normal metabolism. A lack of any of them can lead to serious health issues.
Is it good to take a multivitamin everyday?
If you think your diet lacks some of the essential vitamins, taking a multivitamin can be beneficial. However, if you have any medical conditions or take medications, consult your physician first.
Are vitamins a waste of money?
Do multivitamins work? Are the multivitamin benefits real? Yes! Multivitamins aren’t a waste of money, and they’re a good way to get essential vitamins that you don’t take in with food. However, you should always try to get all your vitamins from food.
What percentage of a multivitamin is absorbed?
Absorption percentage depends on the vitamin itself, but it varies from 25–90%.
The Bottom Line
Vitamin supplements can’t replace a well-balanced diet, but they can help our body fix a nutrient deficiency and improve our overall health. And as these vitamin statistics have shown, they’re not a miraculous cure for medical conditions. Taking too many vitamins can do more harm than good, so be careful and always consult your physician.
Sources:
- Better Health Channel
- CDC
- CDC
- ConsumerLab.com
- Harvard University
- Healthline
- Healthline
- Healthline
- Healthline
- Healthline
- Healthline
- Healthy Food Guide
- Holland & Barrett
- HowStuffWorks
- IBISWorld
- JID
- LiveStrong
- MedBroadcast.com
- MedicalNewsToday
- MedicalNewsToday
- MedicalNewsToday
- Medicare
- MedicineNet
- MedlinePlus
- NCBI
- NIH
- NUTRI-FACTS
- OnHealth
- Ovid
- Rakuten Intelligence
- Reports and Data
- Statista
- Statista
- Statista
- Statista
- VeryWellHealth
