Half of Consumers Will Abandon Health Products Lacking Clear Scientific Evidence, Survey Reveals

What You Should Know: 

A new survey by Lindus Health, a clinical trial company, has reveals that transparency about side effects and long-term safety are the top factors Americans consider when buying health products. 

– The survey, which asked 175 participants about their health-based purchasing behaviors, revealed a significant gap between what consumers want and the information provided by physicians and manufacturers.

– The findings show that less than 14% of respondents follow their physician’s recommendations on health products. In open-ended responses, more than half of the participants said they wished that information on side effects, product usage, and product safety were easier to find. This highlights a pressing unmet need for transparency in consumer health.

The Critical Role of Clinical Evidence

When asked what clinical evidence would most influence their purchase, 29% of respondents cited long-term safety data, 22% wanted before/after clinical data like lab results, and 20% valued self-reported symptom improvement. The research also found that around 46% of respondents have decided against a purchase or stopped using a product due to a lack of clear information or evidence.

Addressing The Trust Gap and the Future of Digital Health

The same concerns about transparency and evidence may be impacting consumer skepticism toward new digital health tools. Only 29% of respondents reported using digital health technologies. The majority continue to rely on traditional options like vitamins and supplements (84%) and OTC medications (59%), which have years of research data and widespread confidence behind them.

Lindus Health aims to address this “trust gap” by delivering high-quality clinical trials, real-world evidence (RWE) studies, and health claims research for consumer health products. The company is focused on generating the robust data needed for consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions.

“The best way to bridge this divide is through high-quality evidence generation—and that’s where Lindus comes in,” said Meri Beckwith, Co-CEO of Lindus Health. “By executing research with consumers’ needs top-of-mind, we’re capturing the data we need so consumers can trust the health products they regularly buy are both safe and effective without sacrificing affordability.”