Stress and a fast-paced lifestyle have led to bad eating habits for many people. As a result many experience vitamin deficiencies. This is the main reason why different types of supplements are among the high-demand products on the market. According to market research done in 2020, more than 75% of adults in the US have taken dietary supplements at least once in the past year. These numbers have likely increased since. Sales of retail and wholesale supplements are rising and manufacturers answer to the increased demand by introducing new and innovative products. In this article, we’ll share details on the most popular types of supplements on the market. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to benefit from the increased demand for these products, check out our post on supplement and vitamin business opportunities.
Key takeaway: There are thousands of different supplement varieties available. Some of them aim to help with certain deficiencies while others might focus on other issues such as helping boost the immune system or assisting women during pregnancy. Multivitamins are the most popular type of supplements on the market.
Most Common Types of Supplements
Vitamins
They are undoubtedly the most common dietary supplements on the market. Most people prefer to buy multivitamins that help the immune system. Other popular combinations are female-focused multivitamins or prenatal products. Some multivitamins also include minerals such as magnesium, iron, selenium, and zinc. Sales of individual vitamins have increased in recent years. Vitamin D supplements are the most popular ones.
Minerals
Deficiencies in calcium, iron, and magnesium are increasingly common. That’s why sales of mineral supplements have increased substantially. They are often sold in combination with vitamins or omega-3 fatty acids.
Protein Supplements
The protein powder market has grown a lot in recent years. In the past, mainly people in bodybuilding were buying protein powder. However, the convenience of products like protein-rich bars or ready-to-drink beverages has made them increasingly popular. There are multiple varieties of protein supplements. One of the trends seen in the protein powder business is the switch to plant-based protein powder made of pea, soy, or rice. Sales of retail and wholesale protein bars have also increased substantially in recent years.
Probiotics
As an increased number of people have digestive problems, probiotic supplements are one of the main categories. They are sometimes combined with vitamins and minerals. Organic alternatives to probiotic supplements include most types of yogurt and other products that have gone through fermentation such as miso soup.
Fiber Supplements
Yet another dietary supplement that helps gut health. Dietary fiber is an important part of diet and its deficiency can lead to digestive issues.
Collagen
Collagen is one of the most important proteins in the human body. Collagen supplements help the hair, joints, and connective tissues. Collagen water is one of the most popular ways to increase collagen intake.
Weight Loss Supplements
There are thousands of different types of supplements that aim to help with weight loss. For some of them, it’s questionable whether they actually help lose weight. The most popular weight loss supplements are fat burners and carb blockers.
The Dietary Supplements Market
In 2023, the global dietary supplements market was estimated at 177 billion dollars. In the US alone, the market is estimated at 40 billion dollars. The aging population is one of the main factors for growth in this industry. As age grows, the immune system is weakened. That’s why many consumers are likely to buy dietary supplements that boost the immune system. That’s why the availability of these products has increased significantly. Grocery stores and convenience stores find suppliers for wholesale vitamins, protein powders, and other supplements.
The eCommerce revolution has also helped the growth of the dietary supplements market. A lot of people enjoy the convenience of purchasing their supplements online. Major pharmacy brands focus significantly on their online stores and brand awareness efforts. That’s because the cost of goods sold online is usually lower compared to sales in physical stores. Nevertheless, brick-and-mortar locations are very important in the niche as clients can get consultation and better customer service there. There are also multiple small businesses that sell different types of supplements online. They usually buy these products at wholesale prices and sell them at retail prices with a profit margin of around 30-50%.
Organic Alternatives to Dietary Supplements
One of the main reasons why people take supplements is to fight deficiencies caused by an unhealthy or unbalanced diet. Let’s check some natural alternatives to supplements.
- Vitamins and minerals. Vegetables and fruits are the main sources of vitamins in our diet. In addition to them, consuming legumes and nuts also ensures that important minerals such as iron and magnesium are part of the diet. People who suffer from vitamin D deficiency can spend more time in the sun or consume fish more often.
- Protein. Meat is the most common source of protein for the body. Plant-based alternatives include legumes, pulses, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish meat is an excellent source of these essential nutrients.
- Probiotics. Greek yogurt is one of the best alternatives to probiotic supplements. Not all yogurt types have probiotic properties, only the ones with live bacteria cultures.
- Fiber. Whole grains like oats and brown rice are very rich in dietary fiber.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Different Types of Supplements
It’s important to consult with your GP or another doctor before you start taking supplements. Although these products help live a healthier lifestyle, vitamin overdose can cause nausea, diarrhea, and other health problems. The BlueCart has answered some of the common business-related questions about supplements below.
What Are the Trends in the Supplements Sector?
The supplements market is growing and changing. Business owners need to adapt to the trends in the sector. Let’s examine some of them.
- Switch to botanical products. Herbs and other botanical products are becoming increasingly popular. As more consumers turn to traditional and natural products, sales of herbal supplements are likely to increase in the future.
- More products for mental well-being. Although products like vitamin D and probiotics still dominate the market, supplements for brain-mood health are on the rise. As more people realize that stress can result in physical health problems, treatment and products for improving mental well-being are likely to become more popular. That’s especially true for young people who are more likely to have concerns over their mental health.
- Skincare supplements are on the rise. In the past, cosmetics dominated the skincare market. However, there are many types of supplements that aim to positively impact the skin, hair, and nails. An increasing number of skin health supplements are introduced annually.
Do You Need FDA Approval to Sell Supplements?
Unlike drugs, dietary supplements don’t need approval from the FDA before they are introduced to the market. However, they are regulated by the agency under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). The FDA has the power to ensure that different types of supplements are properly labeled, safe, and don’t illegally claim unproven treatment capabilities. Most manufacturers in the supplements niche market notify the FDA once they release new products.
Can Different Types of Supplements Be Sold Online?
Yes. Dietary and nutritional supplements can be sold online. However, these products need to follow all the regulations. Some eCommerce stores also offer subscriptions for their clients. This is a convenient option for people who take different types of supplements as they get them delivered regularly. Although online sales of supplements like different types of protein powder have grown in recent years, many prefer to buy these products from physical stores. There they can get better customer service and consultation regarding the optimal products.