December 2023, study conducted by Famivita with 2,500 participants between September 11 and 25, 2023: Nutrition can be understood as the processes of ingesting and converting food substances into nutrients, which are used to sustain the body. These processes involve a variety of components, such as those intended for energy—like carbohydrates and proteins—and those involved, for example, in building and repairing body tissues, such as lipids and minerals. The idea is that when nutrients are at optimal levels in the body, health and well-being are improved.

Identifying exactly which substances are essential and their ideal concentrations has been the focus of studies over the decades and for various purposes: to reduce fatigue, repair injuries, support physical conditioning, improve the body’s energy reserves, contribute to healthier skin, and enhance immunity in general, among others. It is in this context that dietary supplementation arises, due to the benefits associated with it in the pursuit of these goals.

Supplements would then be substances derived from foods or produced synthetically, with the premise of supplementing something that the body does not produce organically or that, for some reason, is not being supplied—due to dietary deficiencies, poor eating habits, health issues, or a life stage that temporarily requires more care.

According to the Brazilian Association of the Industry of Foods for Special Purpose and Similar Products (Abiad), between September 2020 and December 2022, the consumption of vitamin supplements in the country grew by 23.2%. In the entity’s latest survey on consumption habits, in 2020, 59% of Brazilian households had at least one person using supplements. And, relevant to this topic, in our latest study, 78% of participants said that supplements help improve health.

Do you believe that dietary supplements improve health?

  • Especially in the age group 30 to 34 years old and 35 to 39 years old, participants responded yes, supplements improve health, with 84%.
  • Among women, 80% said they believe supplements do so, compared to 52% of men.
  • Of those aged 18 to 24, 76% said they believe supplements help improve health.

Dietary Supplements vs. Lifestyle Changes

Supplements are sold in specialty stores, establishments that sell natural products, pharmacies, and are also found in supermarkets. No medical prescription is required. Experts emphasize, however, how essential it is to have professional supervision by a health professional, such as a nutritionist, endocrinologist, or nutrition physician, so that use is safe and effective.

It is known that anyone may need supplementation at some point in life: whenever there is some dysfunction or imbalance, for example, it is necessary to resort to a supplement. However, it is only with professional assistance and tests that one can identify the body's exact nutritional deficiencies in that context, also considering aspects such as the patient's age.

Another caveat from specialists is that the best way to obtain the right amounts of these substances is through diet and by maintaining a balanced lifestyle. And in our study, 63% of people stated they prefer to take supplements rather than change their eating habits to achieve a health goal.

Do you prefer dietary supplements over changing eating habits to achieve a health goal?

  • Especially in the age group 30 to 34 years old, 65% responded that they prefer to supplement rather than change habits when it comes to a health goal.
  • Next came those aged 35 to 39 years, with 64% responding positively.
  • Among women, 63% reported this preference, compared to 52% of men.

Various Presentations

Supplements can be incorporated into the diet in many ways, as they are available in different forms in the market: gel, powder, gummies, liquid, bar, capsules, and tablets. And according to Abiad, 72% of Brazilians have increased their attention to healthy eating in recent times.

Additionally, according to the entity, among people who consume dietary supplements, 85% use these products seeking health benefits, while 69% combine this with physical activity. And, in our study, 34% of respondents reported that they are currently using a dietary supplement.

  • Especially those aged 30 to 34 years, who participated in the study, reported currently using a supplement, with 44%.
  • 35% of women responded positively about this, compared to 20% of men.
  • 52% of pregnant women stated they are currently using supplements.
  • Among those trying to get pregnant, that number was 28%.

Ranking of states where participants said they believe supplements improve health

  • 1.Tocantins
  • 2.Distrito Federal
  • 3.Rio Grande do Norte
  • 4.Roraima
  • 5.Maranhão
  • 6.Mato Grosso
  • 7.Amazonas
  • 8.Espírito Santo
  • 9.Goiás
  • 10.Rio de Janeiro
  • 11.Mato Grosso do Sul
  • 12.Bahia
  • 13.Piauí
  • 14.Paraná
  • 15.Rio Grande do Sul
  • 16.Minas Gerais
  • 17.São Paulo
  • 18.Paraíba
  • 19.Pará
  • 20.Pernambuco
  • 21.Rondônia
  • 22.Sergipe
  • 23.Acre
  • 24.Ceará
  • 25.Santa Catarina
  • 26.Alagoas
  • 27.Amapá

Index of states where respondents indicated they know about Chlamydia

Research Method

The study had nationwide coverage and was conducted with more than 2,500 people, both women and men, between September 11 and 25, 2023. The data collection method was through an online questionnaire form.

The following questions were addressed:

  • Are you currently using any dietary supplement?
  • Do you believe dietary supplements improve health?
  • Do you prefer dietary supplements over changing eating habits to achieve a health goal?

To compare results between regions and states, answers to yes/no questions were counted numerically, 1 for “yes” and 0 for “no”. Some questions, aimed at obtaining more qualitative results, were designed with more options.