An annual survey conducted by The Vitamin Shoppe, North Bergen, NJ, has found that Americans increasingly feel more confident about their health when taking a vitamin or supplement. According to The Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. annual survey, 93% of vitamin takers expressed this confidence, up from 71% in 2011. Conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of The Vitamin Shoppe, the survey asked 1,000 U.S. adults about their vitamin and supplement habits.

The survey found that vitamins and supplements are becoming more popular. More specifically, 63% of the nation currently takes a vitamin or supplement, up 3% from 2011. Of those who take supplements, multivitamins were once again the most popular choice, with 72% of respondents reporting that they take the supplement on a regular basis. Other top supplements by those who take vitamins were: Vitamin D (51%); vitamin C (49%); calcium (43%); B vitamins (42%); fish oil (40%); iron (27%); and CoQ10 (11%).

“It’s difficult for most people to consume the recommended daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially while juggling work and family,” said Sharon Richter, a registered dietician based in New York City. “These findings reaffirm how important many feel it is to maintain a vitamin or supplement regimen to ensure your body is getting all the nutrients needed on a daily basis.”

Most Americans consider themselves to be “active” (81%). Of those, the survey found that nearly six in 10 (56%) believe vitamins and supplements are necessary to achieve their health and fitness goals.