What are nutritional supplements?

Anyone who’s been shopping recently has likely seen how stocked the supplement aisle is. Most stores carry everything from fish oil and multivitamins to probiotics. For some people, these products may be needed due to dietary restrictions or existing conditions. But it is recommended for most people to get everything they need from eating a healthy balanced diet — no supplements required. Here's what people may want to know about nutritional supplements.

In this article:

What are nutritional supplements?

Nutritional supplements are also called dietary supplements and may help fill in nutritional gaps. The dietary ingredients can range from specific vitamins or minerals to herbs, amino acids or some other things normally found in food.

Nutritional supplements come in many forms, including pills, capsules, tablets, gummies and liquids. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says dietary supplements only include edible products that are ingested, meaning creams or products that are inhaled are not considered supplements. Most dietary supplements are available without a prescription. They aren’t meant to replace meals or regular food. And they should only be used to help make up for the vitamins and minerals a person is lacking.

Dietary supplements are intended to supplement the diet and do not replace regular meals. Supplements are not evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Who may benefit from nutritional supplements?

For most people, supplements aren’t necessary because they can meet their nutritional needs by eating a healthy diet. However, some people may require extra help to make up for nutrients they don’t get from their food. It is important to note that people should always speak to a health care provider before starting or stopping any supplements. Groups who may benefit from nutritional supplements include:

• Older adults and seniors. People over the age of 50 may need more of some vitamins and minerals than younger adults. Common vitamins and minerals that they may need more of include calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.
• People with limited food choices. Surgeries or allergies, like gastric bypass or celiac disease, may impact the kinds of foods a person can eat. If certain food groups aren't consumed, some people might need to take supplements (for example, people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets). People who have limited appetites might fall into this category too, needing supplements to make up for the things they don’t eat regularly.
• People with specific medical conditions. People with certain existing medical issues might benefit from using supplements, but only under the direction of a health care provider. An example includes people undergoing kidney dialysis taking supplements to increase their selenium levels.
• People who are pregnant. It is recommended that most people who are pregnant or may become pregnant take one serving of a prenatal supplement daily starting at least one month before pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body may need increased amounts of certain vitamins, including iron, choline and iodine. Folic acid is another vitamin that may help prevent certain major birth defects. Talk to a health care provider before starting or stopping any supplements or medications.

Risks of taking nutritional supplements

Before taking a supplement, a person should talk with a health care provider to find out the benefits and risks. Dietary supplements shouldn’t be used to help diagnose or treat any health condition.

Supplement side effects

Supplements, especially those taken at high doses, can cause side effects. For example, some supplements come with an increased risk of bleeding or may affect a person's response to anesthesia during surgery. Also, taking too much of something can cause unwanted complications. Taking too much vitamin A, for example, can cause headaches or liver damage.

Drug interactions with supplements

Just because a medication is labeled as “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe for a person to take. This is especially true if someone’s taking other medications. Some supplements can change the way the body absorbs or breaks down medication. This may lead to a person getting too much or too little of the medication they need. If this happens, it could be dangerous or even life-threatening. For example, taking a vitamin E supplement can thin the blood. Taking that in addition to a prescription blood thinner could result in internal bleeding or stroke.

Common misinformation on supplements

These days, a lot of people are searching for medical advice online. A survey conducted in 2022 found that about 58 percent of adults turned to the internet to find health information in the U.S. Some of the medical advice online can be wrong or misleading. It is important to find sources that are accurate and science-based when looking for health information.

Despite their popularity, some trends like weight-loss supplements can be problematic. There isn’t much known on whether these methods are effective in reducing weight, but some supplements have been associated with potential harm. Experts say weight-loss supplements can potentially interact with other medications a person is taking, which can be harmful. It is recommended that people stay away from any viral fad diets or products that promise a quick fix, noting that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

How are supplements regulated?

In the U.S., the FDA regulates finished dietary supplement products as well as dietary ingredients — think of these as the vitamins, minerals and herbs found in supplements.

Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, supplement manufacturers and distributors are responsible for evaluating their products for safety and proper labeling before they can be sold. Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) medications, the FDA does not have authority to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness or labeling before they are sold in the market.

Instead, the FDA has the right to remove supplements after the fact if they don’t meet quality standards, such as being unsafe or misleading labels. In addition to doing their own research on supplements, people should always speak with a health care provider about their medical needs before taking anything.

Key takeaways

A wide variety of nutritional supplements are available in stores, online and on social media. It’s recommended that people eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. As always, a person should first talk to their provider about if a supplement is right for them.

Those who might benefit from taking a dietary supplement include some seniors and older adults, people with limited food options, people with medical conditions and pregnant people. People who do take supplements should keep in mind that there are a variety of risks, including possible side effects and interactions with other medications.

The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements the same way it approves OTC and prescription medications. So, it’s important for a person to always consult with a health care provider to discuss their specific health needs before buying and taking any nutritional supplements.

FOR VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS: Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.