According to the NDP Group's Eating Patterns in America, A recent survey indicated 47% of Americans felt that vitamin intake did not require a doctor's consent while only 34% thought so in 1990. Two-thirds of Americans take vitamins, and their use is on the rise. In 1990, 39% of Americans counted calories, 51% felt a person should limit fatty foods, 65% checked food labels often, 41% avoided snacking and 60% avoided fried foods. In 1998, only 26% counted calories, 41% felt a person should limit fatty foods, 56% checked labels often, 29% didn't snack and 52% avoided fried foods. Healthy habits have declined at the same time that vitamin use has increased.

Derived from "Eating Habits and Vitamin Use," Nutrition Week, December 4, 1998; 28(46):7/Food Industry Newsletter, November 2, 1998;27(19)