Herbal Supplement Information and the Consumer

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the consumer's search for information in the context of self-care decisions involving herbal supplements, and the preferences for types of information in that context. The nationwide self-administered survey included a series of mock label profiles for use in conjoint analysis, as well as attitudinal items regarding information sources and the perceived gaps in available information regarding herbal supplements. The most frequently mentioned source of information was “friends and relatives” (45%). While few respondents (10% to 20%) actually had utilized conventional health practitioners as a source of information, nearly 70% said that they might use them. The attribute considered in the conjoint analysis that was most often rated as most important was professional recommendation. A majority (73%) of respondents identified “gaps” in the information that is available to them regarding herbal supplements. Implications of the results identify potential areas for policy consideration and future research.