Walk into any pharmacy or browse through an online shopping app these days and you'll see shelves crammed with supplements that promise to boost immunity, give you lovely skin, build stronger bones, improve energy, sharpen memory and even help you sleep better. Taking a daily handful of vitamins is now as common as sipping a morning cup of tea for many Indians.
"I'm a doctor, and I'm seeing more and more of the same thing: individuals taking supplements even when they don't know if they need them. Supplements are obviously an important part of healthcare. Still, they are intended to supplement or treat deficiencies or specific medical issues, not replace a balanced diet or healthy lifestyle," said Dr Vishwas K., Consultant Physician (Internal Medicine) at HOSMAT Hospitals, Bengaluru.
A Billion-Dollar Habit
The numbers back up what Dr Vishwas is seeing in his clinic. India's dietary supplements market was valued at USD 6.84 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.9% between 2025 and 2030. The rise is attributed to increased health awareness, e-commerce trends, and preventive health.
Much of that growth, though, is being shaped less by clinical need and more by social media. "They encourage collagen for younger-looking skin, biotin for hair growth, magnesium for sleep and probiotics for digestive health. Some of these supplements may work for some people, but there is no magic pill that will work for all people. What helps one individual may not be needed or even harmful to another," said Dr Vishwas.