Trust and Use of Dietary Supplements Rising Rapidly

According to research conducted in collaboration with the Food Supplement and Nutrition Association (GTBD) and XSights, the proportion of people in Turkey who stated they used dietary supplements at least once in the past three months rose from 49.2% to 74.8% over the past two years. During the same period, confidence in the category increased from 60% to 77%, while the proportion of those who believe dietary supplements are adequately monitored reached 52% from 23%.

The research results show that the dietary supplement sector has not only grown, but has also achieved a more credible position in the eyes of consumers. In Turkey, dietary supplements are monitored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in terms of product approval, manufacturing and market controls, by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK) regarding health claims, and by the Ministry of Commerce regarding advertising controls.

Consumers More Informed on Content and Oversight
The research also revealed that consumers are now acting more consciously in their product choices. Examination of product contents, preference for reliable sales channels and increased awareness regarding supervision procedures were among the factors supporting the perception of trust in the sector.

Dr. Samet Serttaş, Chair of the GTBD Board of Directors, noted that the results obtained demonstrate that the structure created by the sector in recent years has met with consumer approval, stating that dietary supplements are now used regularly by a broader consumer base.

“Maintaining a Stable Structure is Important”
Serttaş emphasized that the increase in usage rates and confidence levels points to the effectiveness of the current oversight system, making the following assessment:

“In a picture where consumer confidence is rising, use is becoming widespread and oversight perception is improving, the priority should not be creating new uncertainties; it should be preserving the existing structure that is building trust.”

Transparency and Traceability on the Sector's Agenda
According to GTBD, in the coming period the sector's focus will include product tracking systems, domestic raw material investments, transparent labeling practices and strengthening of science-based oversight infrastructure. The association draws attention to the fact that consumer confidence is one of the fundamental elements of sustainable growth.

The growth and increased awareness observed recently in Turkey's dietary supplement market also supports this picture. Previous research conducted by GTBD also noted an upward trend in consumer confidence and usage rates.