CAM Use by U.S. Adults and Children
Percentage of U.S. adults in 2002 vs. 2007 and children in 2007 who used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the past 12 months. The figures show that CAM use among adults has remained relatively steady from 2002 to 2007.
CAM Use by Age—2007
Percentage of persons in 2007 who used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during the past 12 months, by age. CAM use is greatest among those aged 30–69.
CAM Use by Race/Ethnicity Among Adults—2007
Percentage of adults in 2007 who used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during the past 12 months, by race/ethnicity. CAM use is greater among American Indians/Alaska Natives, whites, and Asians than among blacks and Hispanics.
10 Most Common CAM Therapies Among Adults—2007
Percentage of adults in 2007 who used the 10 most common complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. The most commonly used CAM therapy among adults in 2007 was nonvitamin, nonmineral natural products. Box shows therapies with significant increases in use between 2002 and 2007: deep breathing, meditation, massage, and yoga.
10 Most Common Natural Products Among Adults—for 2007 and 2002*
Among adults who used nonvitamin, nonmineral natural products in the last year - percentages for the top 10 natural products used in last 30 days among adults in 2007 and and percentages for the top 10 natural products used in the last 12 months for 2002. In 2007, the most popular natural products were fish oils/omega 3, glucosamine, echinacea, and flaxseed. In 2002, the most popular natural products were echinacea, ginseng, ginkgo, and garlic supplements.
*Percentages for specific natural products for 2002 and 2007 cannot be directly compared because the 2002 survey asked about use in the last 12 months whereas the 2007 survey asked about use in the last 30 days.
2002
2007
Diseases/Conditions for Which CAM is Most Frequently Used Among Adults—for 2007 and 2002
Percentage of adults in 2007 and in 2002 who used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during the last 12 months by specific disease and condition. In 2007 and in 2002, problems such as back/neck, and joint pain and arthritis were some of the most common reasons for CAM use.
2002
2007
10 Most Common Therapies Among Children—2007
Percentage of children in 2007 who used the 10 most common complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. The most common therapies among children were natural products, chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation, deep breathing, and yoga.
Most Common Natural Products Among Children—2007
Percentages for the top 10 natural products used in last 30 days among children who used nonvitamin, nonmineral natural products in the past 12 months. The most common were echinacea, fish oil/omega 3, combination herb pills, and flaxseed oil/pills.
Diseases/Conditions for Which CAM is Most Frequently Used Among Children—2007
Percentage of children in 2007 who used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during the past 12 months by specific disease and condition. Conditions such as back/neck pain, head or chest colds, anxiety/stress were the most common reasons for CAM use.
