Supplement Types

"Current trends also include the use of supplementation to promote health and wellness. Vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, and supplements of all kinds constitute big business, and many of their advertising claims suggest that optimal health and eternal youth are just a pill away. Dietary supplements can be macronutrient-based, including amino acids, proteins, and essential fatty acids; micronutrient-based, including vitamins and minerals that promote healthy body functions; probiotic, including beneficial bacteria such as those found in the intestines; and herbal, which often target a specific body part, such as bones. Some public health officials recommend a daily multivitamin due to the poor diet of most North Americans. The US Preventive Task Force also recommends a level of folate intake that can be easier to achieve with a supplement. People who may benefit from daily vitamin and mineral supplements include women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, premenopausal women who may need extra calcium and iron, older adults, people with health issues that affect their ability to eat, and vegetarians, vegans, and others avoiding certain food groups. However, the word supplement denotes something being added. Vitamins, minerals, and other assorted remedies should be considered extras. They are add-ons—not replacements—for a healthy diet. As food naturally contains nutrients in its proper package, food should always be the primary source of nutrients."