Dietary Supplements

Definition

Dietary supplements are products taken orally that contain ingredients intended to add nutritional value to the diet, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, or amino acids.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Dietary supplements are ingestible products containing one or more dietary ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, botanicals, amino acids, and enzymes, intended to supplement the usual diet. They are regulated in the United States under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994.

Benefits

• Provide essential nutrients that may be missing from a diet
• Support overall health and wellness
• Help maintain and improve bone health with supplements like calcium and vitamin D
• Improve immune system function with supplements like vitamin C and zinc
• Enhance cognitive function in seniors with supplements like omega-3 fatty acids

Examples

• Multivitamins
• Fish oil capsules
• Calcium supplements
• Herbal supplements like echinacea
• Probiotic supplements

Additional Information

• sideEffects: Potential side effects include digestive issues, allergic reactions, or interactions with prescription medications. It's important to consult a healthcare provider before beginning any supplement regimen.

Related Terms

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Herbal Supplements
• Nutritional Deficiency
• Supplement Regulation

References

• Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know
• The Truth About Vitamins and Minerals in Dietary Supplements