Vitamins and supplements can help provide nutrients when dietary intake is insufficient or when a healthcare professional recommends supplementation. Vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, and other products are available in many forms and combinations. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements provides evidence based information about individual vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other supplements, including their uses, safety, recommended amounts, and possible interactions.
Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that the body needs for normal functions. Dietary supplements can contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and other ingredients.
Common categories include:
The nutritional needs of individuals can differ based on factors such as age, diet, medical conditions, and certain medications.
Different nutrients have different roles in normal body function. For example, calcium supports bones and teeth, iron is involved in oxygen transport, and vitamin B12 supports blood and nerve cells. The NIH provides individual fact sheets explaining the functions and recommended intake of many nutrients.
Nutrients can support:
A balanced diet remains an important source of nutrients, and supplementation may be useful in particular situations rather than as a replacement for healthy eating.
Some people may require supplements because their diets do not provide enough of a particular nutrient or because their healthcare professional has identified a deficiency or increased need.
Reasons supplementation may be considered include:
The appropriate supplement and amount depend on the individual. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements provides evidence-based information that can help consumers understand specific nutrients and products.
More supplements do not necessarily mean better health. The FDA advises consumers to speak with a healthcare professional before taking dietary supplements because some products can interact with medicines, affect medical conditions, interfere with laboratory tests, or cause harmful effects when taken in excessive amounts.
Before using a supplement:
The FDA also emphasizes that the term “natural” does not automatically mean a product is safe.
Some supplements can change how medicines are absorbed, processed, or eliminated. These interactions can potentially make a medicine less effective or increase its effects.
This is particularly important for people taking prescription medications. Before starting a new supplement, discuss the product and its ingredients with a doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional.
Vitamins and supplements can play a useful role in supporting nutritional needs when they are appropriately selected and used. However, they are not automatically necessary for everyone, and excessive intake or interactions with medicines can create health risks.
A balanced diet should remain an important foundation of healthy nutrition. When considering a supplement, review reliable information, check the ingredients and recommended amounts, and discuss potential benefits and risks with a qualified healthcare professional.