Harris Poll Examines Perceptions of 'Anti-Aging Medicine'

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--Just over half of consumers are aware of "anti-aging medicine," but the overwhelming majority does not believe that taking medications or dietary supplements can prevent healthy people from growing old, according to a poll conducted by Harris Interactive (www.harrisinteractive.com). "Nevertheless, the 7 percent who do believe this represents some 15 million people who are potential victims of the claims of anti-aging medicine," the report stated. In the national telephone survey, conducted for the International Longevity Center, 1,010 adults were asked about anti-aging medicine and dietary supplements.

One question asked how much various therapies or lifestyle changes could help healthy people from growing old. Topping the chart were regular exercise (75 percent said it helps "a lot"), not smoking (73 percent) and eating fresh fruits and vegetables (68 percent). Approximately 55 percent of consumers said taking vitamin and mineral supplements could help "some," while 46 percent said the same of herbal supplements.

Dietary supplements were the subject of other questions. Most of the respondents (69 percent) take dietary supplements, averaging one supplement per day. Those with the highest education had the highest use of dietary supplements, and women and older adults were more likely to take such products. Harris also asked about the regulation of dietary supplements. Sixty eight percent of adults believe the government requires labels to carry warnings about possible side effects, and 59 percent said dietary supplements must be approved by a government agency before they can be sold. However, only 13 percent of respondents agreed that because dietary supplements are natural, that makes them safe.