National survey shows strong public support for natural medicine

A new national poll showed that 70 percent of Americans are more likely to support congressional candidates who protect the public’s access to natural medicine products and treatments.

The poll, conducted by Marist College, was funded by a coalition of organizations with a stake in natural health. In recent years, lawmakers have tried to increase regulation and restrict access to dietary supplements and other natural and homeopathic remedies. However, according to the poll, these regulations are not popular.

“At a time when our industry is under attack at the state and federal level, data points like these demonstrate proposals to require pre-market approval or age restrict products are not mainstream,” said Daniel Fabricant, PhD, president and CEO of the Natural Products Association in a statement.

There were 1,690 people who responded to the survey, which was conducted between Sept. 27 and Sept. 29, 2022. All respondents were over the age of 18 and lived in the United States. The survey could be completed by phone, text, or online.

Survey results showed the 61 percent of households use natural medicine products daily, and 75 percent use them monthly. While a small percentage was informed about legislation before congress that could affect the public’s access to dietary supplements, 70 percent of respondents indicated that they do not support such measures and would rather vote for a candidate who maintained access to natural and homeopathic remedies.

According to many in the natural health industry, these results suggest that Americans are against increased regulation of dietary supplements.

“The survey demonstrates that more and more Americans recognize the importance of dietary supplements and other natural options to maintain and regenerate their health,” said Gretchen DuBeau, executive and legal director of the Alliance for Natural Health USA. “We hope Congress will listen to their constituents and support access to and information about these natural health options.”