According to Gram Research analysis, nearly 1 in 4 Polish adults (23%) currently use dietary supplements or over-the-counter medications for mood and stress relief, with ashwagandha, lemon balm, and melatonin being the most popular choices. However, a critical safety gap exists: about half of supplement users also take prescription medications, yet only 25% tell their doctors about the supplements. This lack of communication creates potential risks for dangerous drug interactions that could harm health.
A new study of nearly 800 Polish adults reveals that more than 1 in 5 people currently use dietary supplements or over-the-counter medications to improve their mood and manage stress. The research, published in Scientific Reports, found that popular ingredients like ashwagandha, lemon balm, and melatonin are widely used—but most people aren’t telling their doctors about it. The study uncovered a troubling gap: about half of supplement users also take regular medications, yet most never mention the supplements to their healthcare providers. Researchers warn this lack of communication could create safety risks and call for better education about how supplements might interact with prescription drugs.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional survey of 798 Polish adults found that 23% currently use dietary supplements or OTC medications for mood improvement and stress relief, with an additional 37% reporting past use.
Among the 51% of current supplement users who also take regular prescription medications, only 25.5% informed their physician about the supplement use, according to the 2026 Polish study published in Scientific Reports.
The most commonly used ingredients for mood and stress relief among Polish adults were ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), and melatonin, based on a 2026 survey of 798 respondents.
In a 2026 study of 798 Polish adults, the primary reasons people didn’t tell doctors about supplement use were the belief that supplements are irrelevant to medical decisions (cited by most non-disclosers) and fear of judgment from healthcare providers.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How many Polish adults use supplements and over-the-counter products for mood and stress relief, what products they use, and whether they tell their doctors about it.
- Who participated: 798 adults in Poland (about 81% women) surveyed between October 2024 and May 2025. Researchers divided them into three groups: people currently using these products, people who used them in the past, and people who never used them.
- Key finding: Nearly 1 in 4 Polish adults (23%) currently use supplements or OTC medications for mood and stress. About 37% used them in the past. However, among those taking both supplements and regular medications, only about 1 in 4 told their doctor about the supplements.
- What it means for you: If you use supplements for stress or mood, your doctor needs to know—especially if you take other medications. Many people think supplements are too minor to mention, but they can interact with prescription drugs in ways that matter for your health.
The Research Details
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey, which is like taking a snapshot of a population at one moment in time. Between October 2024 and May 2025, they asked 798 Polish adults about their use of dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications intended for mood improvement and stress relief. The survey was conducted both online and in person through interviews.
Participants were sorted into three groups based on their supplement use: current users (people using them now), past users (people who used them before but stopped), and never users (people who never tried them). The researchers then used statistical tests to compare these groups and identify patterns in who uses these products, what they use, and why they make their choices.
The study also explored an important safety issue: whether people using supplements told their doctors about it, especially if they were also taking prescription medications. Researchers asked about reasons for not disclosing supplement use and what factors influenced people’s choices when selecting products.
This research approach captures real-world behavior rather than testing a specific intervention in a controlled setting. By surveying people about their actual habits, the study reveals what’s really happening in Polish communities—not what researchers think should happen. This type of data is crucial for understanding public health gaps, like the communication breakdown between patients and doctors about supplement use.
The study has several strengths: it included a reasonably large sample (798 people), used both online and in-person methods to reach different populations, and was published in a reputable journal (Scientific Reports). However, the study is mostly women (81%), so findings may not apply equally to men. The cross-sectional design shows what’s happening at one point in time but can’t prove that supplements cause specific health changes. Additionally, the study relied on people’s self-reports, which means some may have forgotten or misremembered their supplement use.
What the Results Show
Nearly one-quarter of Polish adults (23%) are currently using dietary supplements or over-the-counter medications specifically for mood improvement and stress relief. An additional 37% have used these products in the past. This means that roughly 6 in 10 Polish adults have tried these products at some point.
The most popular ingredients were ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), and melatonin. These three products dominated the market for mood and stress support in Poland.
A critical safety finding emerged: about half of current supplement users (51%) and 44% of past users also take regular prescription medications. However, only about 1 in 4 current users (25.5%) and 1 in 5 past users (18.9%) actually told their doctor about the supplements. When researchers asked why, the most common reasons were: people thought supplements were too minor to mention to their doctor, and people feared being judged for using them.
Current users were more likely than past users to prefer supplements over OTC drugs, to carefully read product ingredients before buying, and to use supplements for more than a year at a time.
The study revealed important differences between current and past users. Current users were more engaged with their supplement choices—they paid more attention to what was in the products and committed to longer-term use. This suggests that people who continue using supplements tend to be more intentional about their choices. The research also highlighted a misconception: many people believe that dietary supplements are so natural or mild that they don’t need to mention them to doctors, even when taking other medications.
Poland is known as one of Europe’s top consumers of dietary supplements, and this study confirms that trend continues, particularly for mood and stress products. The finding that people don’t communicate with doctors about supplements aligns with research from other countries showing a widespread communication gap. However, the specific prevalence rates and product preferences in Poland add important regional data to the global picture.
The study surveyed mostly women (81%), so the results may not fully represent men’s supplement use patterns. The survey relied on people remembering and honestly reporting their supplement use, which can be inaccurate. Because this is a snapshot study (cross-sectional), it shows what’s happening but can’t prove that supplements caused any health improvements or problems. The study also didn’t measure whether the supplements actually worked or caused any harm—it only measured how many people used them and their awareness of safety issues.
The Bottom Line
If you use dietary supplements or over-the-counter medications for mood or stress, tell your doctor about them—especially if you take prescription medications. This is a moderate-confidence recommendation based on the safety risks identified in this research. Don’t assume supplements are too minor to mention; they can interact with other medications in important ways. When choosing supplements, read the ingredient list carefully and look for products from reputable manufacturers.
This research matters most for people in Poland and other European countries with high supplement use. It’s especially important for anyone taking prescription medications alongside supplements. Healthcare providers should use this information to routinely ask patients about supplement use during medical visits. People with mood or stress concerns should discuss all options—including supplements, therapy, and medication—with their doctor rather than self-treating without professional guidance.
Supplements for mood and stress typically take 2-4 weeks to show effects if they work at all. However, this study didn’t measure effectiveness—only usage patterns. If you start a supplement, give it at least 4-6 weeks before deciding if it’s helping, and monitor how you feel. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, stop and contact your doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tell my doctor if I’m taking supplements for stress and mood?
Yes, absolutely. A 2026 Polish study found that half of supplement users also take prescription medications, yet most don’t inform their doctors. Supplements can interact with medications in harmful ways, so your doctor needs complete information about everything you’re taking.
What are the most popular natural supplements for mood and stress in Europe?
According to a 2026 survey of 798 Polish adults, the top three are ashwagandha, lemon balm, and melatonin. These ingredients dominate the European market for mood and stress support products.
How long does it take for mood supplements to work?
Most supplements for mood and stress typically take 2-4 weeks to show effects if they work at all. Give any new supplement at least 4-6 weeks before deciding whether it’s helping, while monitoring your mood carefully.
Why don’t people tell their doctors about supplements?
A 2026 study found the main reasons are: people think supplements are too minor to mention and fear judgment from doctors. However, this misconception is dangerous because supplements can interact with prescription medications.
Are dietary supplements for mood as effective as medication?
This study didn’t measure effectiveness—only how many people use supplements. Talk to your doctor about comparing options. Some people benefit from supplements, others need medication, and many benefit from therapy or a combination approach.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track all supplements and OTC medications you take for mood or stress, including the specific ingredient, dose, and how long you’ve used it. Record any mood changes or side effects you notice. This creates a clear record to share with your doctor.
- Set a reminder to discuss your supplement use with your doctor at your next appointment. Write down the specific products you’re taking (including brand names and main ingredients) before your visit so you don’t forget to mention them.
- Keep a weekly mood and stress log alongside your supplement use. Note which supplements you took each day and rate your mood/stress level on a scale of 1-10. After 4-6 weeks, review whether there’s a pattern. Share this data with your healthcare provider to make informed decisions about continuing or changing supplements.
This research describes supplement use patterns in Poland but does not prove that supplements are safe or effective for treating mood or stress disorders. If you have depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medications. Supplements can interact with medications in serious ways. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always inform your doctor about all supplements and OTC products you use.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.