Nutritional Supplements and VitaminsJoin Now

Nutritional Supplements and Vitamins

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) defines a dietary supplement as a product that:

• supplements the food you eat;
• contains one or more dietary ingredient (including vitamins; minerals; herbs or other botanicals; amino acids, and other substances);
• comes in pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid form; and
• is labeled as a dietary supplement.

There are different types of dietary, or nutritional, supplements. Vitamin and mineral supplements are types of dietary supplements containing micronutrients meant to help a healthy body function smoothly. Herbal (or botanical) supplements are dietary supplements that have a medicinal purpose. Herbal supplements generally support a specific area of the body’s health, such as the liver, bones or skin. (Source: Help Guide)

Purpose

1. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that serve a specific purpose and benefit the body in a unique way. For example, vitamin A supports vision and bone growth, whereas vitamin E strengthens the immune system and helps repair DNA. Vitamin and mineral deficiency can impair the body’s ability to heal and protect itself.

   Taking vitamins does not make up for an unhealthy diet, and vitamins are an insufficient substitute for nutrients from fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. However, a general multivitamin and mineral supplement can be a good safeguard against periodic vitamin shortfalls in your diet. (Source: Help Guide)