CRN Survey Links FDA Supplement Listing to Higher Consumer Confidence

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) says 76% of U.S. adults reported that a requirement for manufacturers to list marketed dietary supplements with FDA would increase their confidence in supplements at least somewhat.¹ The finding is part of CRN’s 2026 consumer survey, which the trade association presented October 7 at its Convergence ‘26 conference in Carlsbad, California.

How Was the Survey Conducted?

Morning Consult conducted the online survey for CRN from September 11 to 13, 2026, among 3,005 U.S. adults. The data were weighted to approximate a representative sample, and the full sample has a margin of error of ±1.8 percentage points. CRN members will receive the complete data set.

What Did Respondents Say About Listing and Enforcement?

Beyond the 76% figure on product listing, 77% of adults said stronger enforcement against illegal, contaminated, or misleading products would raise their confidence at least somewhat, including 49% who said it would do so “a lot.” The same share, 77%, said independent verification of quality standards would increase their confidence.

In addition, 78% said they are confident supplements are generally safe when used as directed, and 62% said they are confident the industry is trustworthy. Steve Mister, CRN’s president and CEO, commented on the insights into consumer confidence provided by the survey and highlighted the association’s efforts. “Consumers are telling us they value access to affordable products, transparency in labeling and quality measures, and credible information from trusted sources,” Mister explained. “For CRN, the finding around product listing is particularly meaningful because a federal registry has been a longstanding policy priority for the association.”

How Many Adults Use Supplements, and What Role Does Cost Play?

CRN reported that 75% of the respondents use dietary supplements, including 46% who take them regularly. More than half, specifically 52%, consider supplements essential or important to their health and wellness.

Cost was the most commonly cited barrier: 31% said high prices have discouraged them from taking supplements or made regular use harder. When asked about a roughly 15% price increase, 73% said they would first look for savings, cut back, or stop buying supplements, while 9% said they would pay more without changing anything else. CRN placed the results alongside Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing consumer prices about 30% higher than at the start of 2020 and up 3.4% in the 12 months ending August 2026.

Who Influences Supplement Decisions?

Eighty-one percent of respondents said scientific evidence is very or somewhat important when deciding on a supplement. A recommendation from a primary care physician or other medical doctor would influence 77%, compared with 51% for supplement company materials and 35% for social media creators or influencers.

What Is the Dietary Supplement Listing Act?

CRN says it supports the Dietary Supplement Listing Act of 2026, which would require specified information on marketed supplements to be listed with FDA and made available through a searchable database.

Nutritional Outlook reported in January that Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) had reintroduced the bill, which was first introduced in 2022.² It would require manufacturers to give FDA product names, ingredient lists, electronic label copies, allergen statements, and health and structure/function claims, which would be published in a public database. The article said FDA does not maintain a database of supplements because they are not subject to premarket approval. It added that FDA estimates the market has grown from 4,000 products after DSHEA’s 1994 passage to more than 100,000.

CRN has advocated for a registry for more than a decade and operates a voluntary one, Supplement OWL (Online Wellness Library), which it presents as a proof of concept. Mister said a registry “strengthens consumer trust without limiting access or disrupting responsible manufacturers.”

References

1. Council for Responsible Nutrition. New CRN survey finds 76% of Americans say FDA supplement listing would increase consumer confidence. Press release. October 7, 2026. Accessed October 14, 2026. https://www.crnusa.org/newsroom/new-crn-survey-finds-76-americans-say-fda-supplement-listing-would-increase-consumer
2. Krawiec S. Durbin reintroduces Dietary Supplement Listing Act with support from CRN. Nutritional Outlook. January 15, 2026. Accessed October 14, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/durbin-reintroduces-dietary-supplement-listing-act-with-support-from-crn