Over A Third Of Americans Already Use AI For Health And Wellness Guidance

Americans are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence for help with their health needs, with more than a third already using it to manage wellness and gather medical insights, a new survey shows.

The poll of 2,000 U.S. adults, conducted by Talker Research for The Vitamin Shoppes annual Trend Report, found that 35% use AI to learn about and manage aspects of their health. Top uses include researching medical conditions (31%), finding weekly meals and recipes (25%), discovering new exercise routines (23%) and seeking emotional or therapeutic support (20%).

Nearly a quarter (24%) use AI to fact-check health and wellness information from other sources, including social media, friends, and even healthcare professionals.

Despite being relatively new, trust in AI for health guidance is high. Sixty-three percent of respondents found AI trustworthy for health information — higher than social media (43%) and influencers (41%) but still trailing doctors (93%) and friends (82%). Many find AI easier to approach than traditional options, with 31% saying its simpler to ask AI specific questions than a search engine and 27% citing greater accessibility compared to speaking with a health professional.

Interest in staying up to date on health trends is widespread, with 73% of Americans wanting to keep pace and 68% believing AI will become increasingly integral to personal health management. Twenty-one percent of current AI users already turn to it specifically to follow health and wellness trends.

“As AI becomes an increasingly powerful tool for health-conscious consumers, this years Trend Report revealed other key innovations that are shaping behaviors in the wellness space,” said Muriel Gonzalez, President of The Vitamin Shoppe. “These include the NAD+ boom for longevity and cellular health, new applications for peptides in sports nutrition, and the surging demand for protein in functional foods and on-the-go beverages. Additionally, were seeing people gravitating towards alternative supplement delivery formats like liquids and gummies, plus the re-discovery of time-honored adaptogens like shilajit by a new generation of wellness seekers.”

The survey also found that 51% of respondents are now more aware of peptides and their health benefits, while 66% are actively trying to increase their protein intake compared to five years ago. Sleep and rest ranked as the top focus of daily wellness routines for 54% of Americans, ahead of fitness and exercise (46%). Mental and emotional health also outranked weight management goals (42% versus 38%).

Although 75% of Americans expressed concern about aging and its impact on their health — driving interest in innovations like NAD+ and peptides — many are taking a balanced view, with 44% saying they are finding peace with aging versus 21% who report actively fighting it.

Vitamins and supplements remain central to wellness routines, with 69% of Americans taking them. Growth in alternative formats like liquids, gummies and chews is helping consumers incorporate them more easily into daily life, according to 34% of respondents.

“This years survey highlights that most people are interested in improving energy levels, immunity support, and cognitive function, among a range of health goals,” noted Sarah Jamison, MD, a member of The Vitamin Shoppes Wellness Council. “These all start with a balanced diet of nutrient-dense foods and healthy habits like getting adequate sleep, engaging in regular exercise, and practicing stress reduction. These efforts are amplified when we address the gaps that many people have in their daily intake of ideal nutrient levels. Thats where high-quality supplements can play a targeted role in supporting overall wellness as well as reaching specific health goals.”