Is it Easier to Talk to AI Than Your Doctor?

Forget Dr. Google, Americans are turning to artificial intelligence for their health needs.
According to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, a little more than a third (35%) already use AI to learn about and manage aspects of their health and wellness.

The top uses for this technology include: to get insight into specific medical conditions or issues (31%), to help with weekly meals and recipes (25%), to learn about new exercise routines (23%) and for emotional or therapeutic support and advice (20%).

About a quarter of current users (24%) even use AI to fact-check health and wellness information from other sources, such as social media, health professionals and their friends.

Though relatively new, trust in AI is fairly high, with 63% finding it trustworthy for health information and guidance—scoring higher in this area than social media (43%) and influencers (41%), but lower than doctors (93%) and even friends (82%).

Americans also find that it’s easier to ask AI specific questions versus going to a search engine (31%) and that it’s more accessible than speaking to a health professional (27%).

The survey, which was conducted by Talker Research for The Vitamin Shoppe’s annual Trend Report (https://press.vitaminshoppe.com), found that 21% of AI users already use it specifically to learn about health and wellness trends.

Regardless of whether or not they use AI,vitaminshoppe a great majority of Americans (73%) are interested in keeping up with the latest health trends—and 68% believe that AI will only become more integral in managing their health and wellness.

“As AI becomes an increasingly powerful tool for health-conscious consumers, this year’s 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, we’re 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.”

Related to these trends, the survey found that 51% are more aware of peptides and their role in health and another 66% are actively trying to add more protein to their diet, compared to five years ago.

Results also revealed some surprising priorities — sleep and rest are the top focus of Americans in their daily wellness routines (54%), even more so than fitness and exercise (46%). And mental and emotional health scored higher than weight management and weight loss (42% vs 38%).

Though 75% are concerned about aging and its impact on their health—hence the interest in innovations like NAD+ and peptides, according to Gonzalez —more Americans are also embracing it with grace, finding peace with aging (44%) versus fighting it to stay young (21%).

According to the survey, vitamins and supplements remain popular with the majority of Americans, with 69% currently taking them. The growth of alternative delivery methods like liquids, gummies, and chews is making it easier to take supplements, according to 34% of respondents.

“This year’s 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 Shoppe’s 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. That’s where high-quality supplements can play a targeted role in supporting overall wellness as well as reaching specific health goals.”