A Knowledge

Although most consumers believe they have adequate knowledge about dietary supplements, a significant number would like more information about health benefits and think additional information would help them avoid potentially harmful adverse reactions. Other knowledge gaps pertain to specific nutrients, relationships between dietary supplements and disease, and outcomes of taking dietary supplements. In one survey, almost 60 percent of consumers incorrectly answered that it is more important for postmenopausal women to consume the recommended amount of calcium than for people of other ages. More than 40 percent incorrectly answered that iron supplements provide more energy. Twenty-one percent of consumers thought that noticeable effects of dietary supplements can be appreciated after one week, while 12 percent said they did not know how long it would take to see the effects.