Nearly 64% of active people in Saudi Arabia use dietary supplements, according to a 2026 cross-sectional study of 3,800 individuals. Gram Research analysis shows that what people know about health and their personal health practices are the strongest factors influencing supplement use, more so than age or gender. This rate exceeds supplement consumption in many other countries, suggesting supplements are particularly popular among active Saudis.
A new study of 3,800 active people in Saudi Arabia found that nearly 64% use dietary supplements—higher than rates in many other countries. Researchers discovered that what people know about supplements and their health habits strongly influence whether they use them, while age and gender had less impact. The study suggests that knowledge and personal health beliefs are the main drivers of supplement use among physically active Saudis. Understanding these patterns could help health officials create better education programs about supplement safety and effectiveness.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional study of 3,800 active individuals in Saudi Arabia found that 63.82% use dietary supplements, with more than three out of every five participants indicating supplement use.
According to research reviewed by Gram, health characteristics and knowledge-and-practice domains showed highly significant influence on supplement consumption among active Saudis, while demographic factors like age and gender did not significantly predict use in the structural equation model.
The prevalence of dietary supplement use among physically active individuals in Saudi Arabia exceeded the prevalence rates reported in several international populations, indicating higher supplement adoption in this region.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How many active people in Saudi Arabia take dietary supplements, why they take them, and what factors influence their decision to use supplements.
- Who participated: 3,800 physically active individuals from 13 different regions across Saudi Arabia. The study included people of various ages and backgrounds who regularly exercise or stay active.
- Key finding: Nearly 64% of active Saudis use dietary supplements—meaning more than 3 out of every 5 people take them. What people know about supplements and their health habits were the strongest predictors of use.
- What it means for you: If you’re active in Saudi Arabia, you’re part of a majority who use supplements. Your knowledge about health and your personal health practices matter more than your age or gender when deciding whether to use supplements. However, this doesn’t mean supplements are necessary for everyone—talk to a doctor about whether they’re right for you.
The Research Details
Researchers surveyed 3,800 active people across 13 regions of Saudi Arabia using a questionnaire about supplement use. The survey asked about demographics (age, gender), health characteristics, and what people knew and did regarding health practices. The researchers used a statistical method called structural equation modeling, which is like creating a map showing how different factors connect to supplement use. This approach allowed them to see which factors most strongly influence whether someone takes supplements. The study was cross-sectional, meaning researchers collected all the information at one point in time rather than following people over months or years.
Understanding why people use supplements is crucial for health officials and doctors. If knowledge and health practices are the main drivers, then education programs could be more effective than simply telling people to use or avoid supplements. This research helps identify where to focus public health efforts in Saudi Arabia.
The study included a large sample of 3,800 people from multiple regions, which makes the findings more reliable than a smaller study. The questionnaire was adapted from tools that had been tested and validated in other research. However, because this was a cross-sectional study (snapshot in time), it can show associations but not prove that one thing causes another. The study also relied on people self-reporting their supplement use, which could be affected by memory or social desirability bias.
What the Results Show
The main finding was that 63.82% of active individuals in Saudi Arabia use dietary supplements. This rate is notably higher than supplement use rates reported in many other countries around the world. When researchers analyzed what factors predicted supplement use, they found that health characteristics (like existing health conditions or fitness level) and knowledge-and-practice factors (what people knew about health and what health behaviors they practiced) were highly significant predictors. Interestingly, demographic factors like age and gender were not statistically significant predictors in the overall model, even though some individual demographic variables showed associations when analyzed separately.
The study revealed that people’s perceptions about the health effects of supplements varied. The research showed that knowledge and practice domains had a stronger influence on supplement consumption than basic demographic characteristics. This suggests that supplement use in Saudi Arabia is driven more by what people believe and know about health rather than by who they are (age, gender, etc.). The high prevalence rate compared to international populations indicates that supplement use is particularly common among active Saudis.
According to Gram Research analysis, the 63.82% prevalence rate in this Saudi Arabian population exceeds supplement use rates reported in several international populations. This suggests that active individuals in Saudi Arabia may have greater access to supplements, different cultural attitudes toward them, or higher health consciousness compared to active populations in other countries. The finding that knowledge and practices drive use aligns with research from other regions showing that health literacy influences supplement decisions.
The study was cross-sectional, so it shows associations but cannot prove that knowledge causes supplement use—it’s possible that people who use supplements seek out more knowledge. The research relied on self-reported data, which means people might not remember accurately or might answer differently based on social expectations. The study only included active individuals, so results may not apply to sedentary populations. Additionally, the study didn’t measure the actual quality or appropriateness of supplement use, only whether people used them.
The Bottom Line
If you’re active in Saudi Arabia, supplement use is common, but it’s not automatically right for everyone. Before starting any supplement, consult with a healthcare provider who knows your health history. Focus on getting nutrients from whole foods first, then consider supplements only for specific needs identified by a doctor. This recommendation has strong evidence support from health organizations worldwide. If you do use supplements, ensure they’re from reputable sources and that you understand why you’re taking them.
Active individuals in Saudi Arabia should pay attention to this research, especially if they’re considering starting supplements or already using them. Healthcare providers and public health officials in Saudi Arabia should use these findings to develop better education programs about supplement use. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts should be particularly aware, as they may be more likely to use supplements. People with specific health conditions should discuss supplements with their doctors before use.
If you start taking a supplement for a specific purpose, give it at least 4-8 weeks to see effects, depending on the supplement type. However, some supplements like vitamin D may take several months to show measurable changes in blood levels. Don’t expect overnight results—supplements work gradually. If you don’t notice benefits after a reasonable timeframe, discuss with your doctor whether the supplement is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people in Saudi Arabia take dietary supplements?
A 2026 study of 3,800 active Saudis found that 63.82% use dietary supplements—meaning nearly 2 out of 3 active people take them. This rate is higher than supplement use in many other countries worldwide.
What makes people more likely to use supplements in Saudi Arabia?
Research shows that knowledge about health and personal health practices are the strongest predictors of supplement use. Age and gender matter less than what people know and believe about health. People with greater health awareness tend to use supplements more.
Should I take dietary supplements if I’m active?
Not necessarily. While supplements are popular among active Saudis, they’re not required for everyone. Consult your doctor about your specific needs. Focus on nutrition from whole foods first, then consider supplements only if a healthcare provider recommends them for a specific reason.
Are dietary supplements safe for everyone?
Supplements can be safe, but they’re not appropriate for everyone. Some interact with medications, and quality varies by brand. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you have health conditions or take medications.
How long does it take to see benefits from supplements?
Most supplements take 4-8 weeks to show noticeable effects, though some like vitamin D may take several months to change blood levels. If you don’t see benefits after a reasonable timeframe, discuss with your doctor whether the supplement is working for you.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track which supplements you take daily, the dosage, and any changes you notice in energy, recovery time, or overall health. Record this weekly to identify patterns and discuss with your healthcare provider.
- Use the app to set a reminder to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. Log your current supplements and their purposes, then review this list monthly to ensure each one is still needed and appropriate.
- Create a monthly health check-in where you review your supplement use, note any side effects or benefits, and track whether your fitness goals are being met. Share this data with your doctor during annual checkups to ensure your supplement regimen aligns with your health needs.
This research describes supplement use patterns in Saudi Arabia but does not constitute medical advice. Dietary supplements are not regulated the same way as medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. Before starting any supplement, consult with a qualified healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions, take medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have allergies. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical guidance. Individual results vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.