Americans are committing to taking vitamins in 2015, according to a new survey conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). The survey, conducted in December, asked more than 2,000 U.S. adults to select (all that apply of) health and wellness habits they are committing to in 2015, and “taking vitamins” made the top five (47 percent), along with drinking enough water (72 percent); eating healthy/healthier in general (66 percent); getting more physically active (62 percent); and getting more sleep (49 percent). With research pointing to a real life issue of nutrient shortfalls in Americans’ diets, this survey might be a positive indicator that people realize they are not getting all the nutrients they need from food alone. Vitamin supplements help fill in the gaps.

“With the hectic nature of our lives, we don’t always eat what we know we should eat. And while we should continue to focus on getting the healthiest diet, adding a simple multivitamin supplement presents an easy, affordable and safe way to help ensure we get the nutrients we need,” said Duffy MacKay, ND, senior vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, CRN.

The New Year presents new opportunities to live well—and vitamins and other dietary supplements can play an important role in good health, but they are meant as supplements to, not substitutes for, other healthy habits. Consumers should open a dialogue with their doctor or other health care practitioner about which supplements are right for them.

For more information, visit www.crnusa.org.