The German dietary supplements market in 2014
Germany was already one of the leading markets for dietary supplements in Europe in 2014. Millions of consumers regularly used vitamins, minerals, or herbal extracts to support health and well-being.
Studies showed that about one fifth to more than half of adults regularly took supplements. Especially popular were multivitamin preparations, but also mineral capsules like magnesium or calcium.
The legal basis was the Food Supplement Regulation (NemV) as well as EU directives that precisely define which vitamins and minerals may be used in which form.
The most popular ingredients in 2014
1. Minerals – the classic among supplement ingredients
Minerals were at the top of the popularity scale among German consumers in 2014.
The most used minerals were:
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Magnesium – to support muscles and nerves, especially popular among athletes.
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Calcium – for bones and teeth, often combined with vitamin D.
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Zinc – for the immune system and skin.
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Selenium – as an antioxidant and for cell protection.
Some products, however, partly exceeded the recommended maximum amounts, especially in magnesium or calcium preparations – a topic already monitored at the time by the BfR (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment).
2. Vitamins – the foundation of many preparations
Besides minerals, vitamins dominated the market:
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Vitamin D was especially in demand during the darker months to prevent deficiency.
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Vitamin C and Vitamin E were considered strong antioxidants.
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B vitamins (B1, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid) supported energy and nerve metabolism.
These vitamins formed the basis of many multivitamin preparations marketed as "all-around protection." The trend: combination instead of single vitamins.
3. Plant ingredients – natural power on trend
In 2014, plant extracts experienced a boom, also in Germany.
Popular plant compounds were:
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Ginkgo biloba – to support memory and concentration.
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St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) – known for its mood-enhancing effect.
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Echinacea – to strengthen the immune system.
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Ginseng – for energy and vitality.
These plant-based ingredients were mostly used in low-dose combination preparations. Due to strict EU regulations, the permissible dosage was precisely controlled.
4. Amino acids and coenzyme Q10 – for energy and performance
In the fitness and sports community, amino acid supplements were increasingly in demand in 2014.
Typical ingredients:
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L-Arginine and L-Carnitine – for circulation and energy.
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BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) – to support muscle building.
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Coenzyme Q10 – popular for heart and cell health.
These substances were often combined with vitamins and minerals to enhance the "performance effect."
5. Omega-3 fatty acids – heart health in focus
Omega-3 capsules from fish oil or algae oil were among the top sellers in cardiovascular health in 2014.
They provided the valuable fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are important for heart, brain, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Plant-based alternatives with flaxseed oil or chia oil also gained popularity, as the trend towards vegetarian and vegan products was already noticeable.
6. Antioxidants and specialty substances
Also, "trend ingredients" like Resveratrol, Green Tea Extract, Polyphenols, or Probiotics began to gain a foothold in the market.
They were considered innovative additives for anti-aging, immune system, or digestion – mostly in premium products.
Why these ingredients in particular?
The popularity of these active ingredients had several reasons:
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Scientific recognition – vitamins and minerals are well researched and safe.
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Prevention instead of therapy – consumers sought ways to actively do something for their health.
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Regulatory clarity – approved substances could be sold without medical approval.
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Combination products – so-called "all-in-one" formulas were trendy and provided all-around protection.
Challenges: Safety and dosage
As early as 2014, experts discussed the correct dosage.
The BfR warned of possible overdoses, especially with:
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Magnesium (when taking several preparations simultaneously)
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Zinc (with long-term intake in high doses)
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Vitamin D (in high-dose oil capsules)
Quality issues – for example with imported or online products – also led to more controls.
Conclusion: The supplement classic remains in demand
The analysis shows: As early as 2014, German consumers relied on a combination of classic vitamins, important minerals, and natural plant extracts.
This basic blend still forms the foundation of many dietary supplements today – even though newer trends (collagen, adaptogens, CBD) have since been added.
Tip: Quality counts – then as now
Those who take dietary supplements should pay attention to quality-tested products made in Germany.
Safe dosages, transparent ingredient information, and scientifically tested raw materials are crucial – yesterday as today.
🩺 Our conclusion at Purmeo:
Even though trends come and go – vitamins, minerals, and natural extracts remain the foundation of healthy dietary supplements.
