Nearly 48% of adults in the United Arab Emirates have used dietary supplements, with vitamins, minerals, and protein powders being the most popular choices, according to a cross-sectional study of 600 UAE residents. People with college or graduate degrees were about 18 times more likely to use supplements than those with less education, and most users reported taking supplements to address nutritional deficiencies or improve fitness. Gram Research analysis shows that healthcare professionals remain the primary source of supplement recommendations for 40% of users, though the study emphasizes the need for better professional guidance to ensure supplements are used appropriately and safely.
A new study of 600 adults in the United Arab Emirates found that almost half have tried dietary supplements, with vitamins and minerals being the most popular choices. Researchers discovered that people with higher education levels and those earning more money were more likely to use supplements, often to fill nutritional gaps or boost fitness. The study also revealed that people who have used supplements before tend to have more positive views about their safety and benefits. According to Gram Research analysis, the findings suggest that many UAE residents could benefit from better guidance from doctors and nutritionists about which supplements actually work and when they’re truly needed.
Key Statistics
A cross-sectional study of 600 UAE adults published in Frontiers in Nutrition in 2026 found that 47.8% had ever used dietary supplements, with 58.9% of those being current users at the time of the survey.
Among supplement users in the UAE study, vitamins were the most commonly used supplement type at 70.6%, followed by minerals at 57.8% and protein supplements at 47.4%.
The 2026 UAE supplement study found that adults with undergraduate or postgraduate education had an adjusted odds ratio of 18.32 for supplement use compared to those with less education, representing an 18-fold higher likelihood.
In the UAE supplement research, managing nutritional deficiencies (38.0%) and improving fitness (35.3%) were the leading reasons for supplement use, while healthcare professionals provided recommendations to 40.1% of users.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How many adults in the UAE take dietary supplements, what types they use, why they use them, and what factors influence their choices and beliefs about supplements.
- Who participated: 600 adults aged 18 and older living in the UAE, recruited through universities, community groups, and online platforms. About 59% were male and 41% were female, with a mix of education levels and employment statuses.
- Key finding: Nearly 48% of participants reported ever using dietary supplements, with vitamins, minerals, and protein powders being the most common. People with college or graduate degrees were about 18 times more likely to use supplements than those with less education.
- What it means for you: If you live in the UAE and are considering supplements, know that many people use them for legitimate reasons like filling nutritional gaps. However, the study suggests you should talk to a healthcare provider before starting any supplement to make sure it’s right for you and won’t interact with medications.
The Research Details
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study, which is like taking a snapshot of a population at one point in time. They recruited 600 adults living in the UAE and asked them to complete an anonymous online survey about their supplement use. The survey included questions about their age, education, income, employment status, and health conditions, as well as detailed questions about which supplements they used, why they used them, and their beliefs about supplement safety and effectiveness.
The researchers used statistical tests to look for patterns and connections between people’s backgrounds and their supplement use. They specifically examined how factors like education level, income, employment status, and health conditions related to whether someone used supplements and what they believed about them. This approach allowed them to identify which groups of people were most likely to use supplements and what influenced their decisions.
Understanding who uses supplements and why is important because supplements are widely available but not always regulated as strictly as medications. By identifying patterns in supplement use across different groups in the UAE, researchers can help doctors and nutritionists provide better guidance to their patients. This information also helps public health officials understand whether people are using supplements appropriately or if they need more education about which supplements are actually beneficial.
This study used a convenience sampling method, meaning participants were recruited through networks and online platforms rather than randomly selected from the entire UAE population. This approach is faster and less expensive but may not perfectly represent all UAE residents. The study was cross-sectional, capturing only one moment in time, so it cannot prove that certain factors cause supplement use, only that they are associated with it. The researchers did use appropriate statistical methods to adjust for multiple factors, which strengthens their findings. The large sample size of 600 participants provides reasonably reliable results for the groups studied.
What the Results Show
Nearly half of the 600 participants (47.8%) reported that they had ever used dietary supplements at some point in their lives. Among those who had used supplements, about 59% were currently using them at the time of the survey. Vitamins were by far the most popular supplement type, used by about 71% of supplement users, followed by minerals at 58% and protein supplements at 47%.
The most common reasons people gave for using supplements were managing nutritional deficiencies (38% of users) and improving fitness or athletic performance (35% of users). Interestingly, healthcare professionals like doctors and nutritionists were the most frequently cited source of supplement recommendations, mentioned by 40% of users. This suggests that many people are getting guidance from qualified professionals rather than relying solely on marketing or friends’ advice.
When the researchers looked at who was most likely to use supplements, they found clear patterns. People with undergraduate or graduate degrees were about 18 times more likely to use supplements compared to those with less education. People earning higher incomes were also significantly more likely to use supplements. Surprisingly, students were more likely to use supplements than employed adults, which may reflect younger people’s interest in fitness and health.
The study examined four specific beliefs about supplements: whether they are necessary, whether they are safe, whether they can prevent disease, and whether healthcare professionals promote them. Interestingly, people who had ever used supplements held more positive views about all four of these beliefs compared to people who had never used supplements. This suggests that experience with supplements may shape people’s perceptions, though it’s unclear whether positive beliefs lead people to try supplements or whether using supplements leads to more positive beliefs.
The research also found that certain health conditions were associated with supplement use. People reporting chronic health conditions were more likely to use supplements, which makes sense as they may be seeking additional nutritional support. Gender differences were minimal, with both men and women showing similar patterns of supplement use.
This study provides a more comprehensive picture of supplement use in the UAE than previous research, which often focused on specific groups like athletes, pregnant women, or people in particular cities. The finding that nearly 48% of adults have used supplements aligns with global trends showing that supplement use is common in developed and developing countries. The preference for vitamins and minerals matches patterns seen in other Middle Eastern countries and developed nations. However, the strong association between education level and supplement use may be somewhat unique to the UAE context, reflecting the country’s diverse population with varying levels of health literacy.
The study used convenience sampling through online platforms and university networks, which means the results may not represent all UAE residents equally. People who use the internet and participate in online surveys may be different from those who don’t. The study captured only one moment in time, so researchers cannot determine whether supplement use causes certain health outcomes or beliefs, only that they are associated. The survey relied on people’s memory and honesty about their supplement use, which could introduce errors. Finally, the study did not collect detailed information about the quality, dosage, or duration of supplement use, which limits understanding of how supplements were actually being used.
The Bottom Line
If you’re considering taking dietary supplements, consult with a doctor or registered dietitian first. They can assess whether you have actual nutritional deficiencies that supplements could address and recommend appropriate options. This is especially important if you take medications, as some supplements can interact with them. For most people eating a reasonably balanced diet, whole foods provide better nutrition than supplements. If you do use supplements, choose products from reputable manufacturers and follow dosage instructions carefully. Confidence level: High for consulting professionals before starting supplements; Moderate for the general population benefit of supplements.
Anyone considering starting dietary supplements should pay attention to these findings, particularly people with chronic health conditions who may be tempted to self-treat with supplements. Healthcare providers in the UAE should be aware that nearly half their patients may be using supplements and should ask about this during medical visits. People with higher education and income levels should be especially mindful of ensuring their supplement use is evidence-based rather than driven by marketing. Students and younger adults interested in fitness should understand that supplements are not a substitute for proper nutrition and exercise. People should not rely solely on these findings to make supplement decisions, as individual health needs vary greatly.
If you start taking a supplement for a legitimate nutritional deficiency, you may notice improvements in energy or overall health within 2 to 4 weeks, though some benefits take longer. However, many supplements show no noticeable benefit because the deficiency wasn’t real to begin with. It’s important to give supplements adequate time while also monitoring whether you actually feel better. If you don’t notice improvements after 8 to 12 weeks, discuss this with your healthcare provider to determine if the supplement is actually helping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of people in the UAE take dietary supplements?
Nearly 48% of UAE adults surveyed reported ever using dietary supplements, with about 59% of those being current users. Vitamins were the most popular type, used by 71% of supplement users, followed by minerals at 58%.
Who is most likely to use dietary supplements in the UAE?
People with college or graduate degrees were about 18 times more likely to use supplements than those with less education. Higher income and student status were also associated with increased supplement use in the 2026 study.
Why do people in the UAE take dietary supplements?
The top reasons were managing nutritional deficiencies (38% of users) and improving fitness (35%). Healthcare professionals recommended supplements to 40% of users, making them the most common source of guidance.
Should I take dietary supplements if I eat a healthy diet?
Most people eating a balanced diet don’t need supplements. Consult a doctor or dietitian to determine if you have actual nutritional deficiencies. They can recommend appropriate supplements only if testing shows you need them.
Are dietary supplements safe to take with medications?
Some supplements can interact with medications and cause problems. Always inform your doctor about any supplements you’re taking or considering. They can check for potential interactions and advise whether it’s safe to combine them with your medications.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log each supplement you take daily, including the type, dose, time of day, and any symptoms or changes you notice. Track this for at least 8 weeks to identify patterns and determine whether the supplement is actually making a difference in how you feel.
- Before starting any new supplement, use the app to create a reminder to schedule a conversation with your doctor or nutritionist. Document their recommendation in the app so you have a record of professional guidance. This simple step can prevent inappropriate supplement use and potential drug interactions.
- Set up monthly check-ins in the app to review which supplements you’re still taking and whether they’re delivering the benefits you expected. Keep notes on your energy levels, fitness progress, and overall health to objectively assess whether supplements are helping. Share this data with your healthcare provider during annual check-ups.
This article summarizes research findings and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Dietary supplements are not regulated as strictly as medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. Before starting any supplement, consult with a qualified healthcare provider, especially if you have chronic health conditions, take medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have allergies. Some supplements can interact with medications or cause adverse effects. Individual nutritional needs vary greatly based on age, health status, diet, and other factors. This study was conducted in the UAE and findings may not apply equally to all populations. Always choose supplements from reputable manufacturers and follow dosage instructions carefully.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.