Forget searching through Dr. Google; many Americans are now turning to artificial intelligence for their health information.
A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found that more than a third (35%) utilize AI to help manage various health-related topics.
The most common applications include assistance with specific medical issues (31%), meal planning and recipes (25%), new exercise suggestions (23%), and seeking emotional or therapeutic support (20%).
Interestingly, around a quarter (24%) of those who use AI also rely on it to verify health and wellness information from sources like social media, health professionals, and friends.
Despite being a relatively new tool, there appears to be a strong level of trust in AI, with 63% of respondents considering its health guidance reliable. This is notably higher than the trust afforded to social media (43%) and influencers (41%), though it still lags behind the trust placed in doctors (93%) and friends (82%).
Additionally, many find that asking AI specific questions is simpler than using traditional search engines (31%) or consulting a healthcare provider (27%).
The survey, conducted by Talker Research for Vitamin Shop’s Annual Trends Report, indicated that 21% of AI users are already using this technology to explore health and wellness trends.
Overall, 73% of Americans, regardless of whether they use AI, want to stay informed about the latest health trends, with 68% believing that AI is crucial for health management.
Muriel Gonzalez, president of Vitamin Shop, noted that “as AI becomes a more powerful tool for health-conscious consumers, this year’s report reveals other significant trends in the wellness space,” highlighting the interest in NAD+ for longevity, new uses of peptides in sports nutrition, and the growing presence of proteins in functional foods and beverages. It’s quite interesting; there’s also a push toward alternative methods of supplements like liquids and gummies.
Regarding these trends, findings showed that 51% of respondents are more aware of the role of peptides in health, while 66% are trying to increase their protein intake compared to five years ago.
Some of the results were quite surprising. For instance, making sleep and rest a priority in wellness (54%) ranked above fitness and exercise (46%). Also, mental health took precedence over weight management (42% vs. 38%).
Gonzalez mentioned that 75% of participants are worried about aging and its impact on health, but there’s an interesting perspective: many embrace aging with grace and seek solutions to manage it.
Moreover, vitamins and supplements are on the radar for most Americans, with 69% currently using them. Apparently, 34% said that the rise of alternative supplement forms, such as gummies and chews, simplifies their intake.
In conclusion, this year’s survey shows a clear interest in enhancing energy levels, immune support, and cognitive function, which all tie back to maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, with proper sleep, consistent exercise, and stress management as key factors in achieving nutritional goals.
Research Method:
The survey conducted by Talker Research involved 2,000 Americans from the general population and was commissioned by Vitamin Shop. It took place online between May 16th and May 22nd, 2025.
