Ideas in this flowchart

• Dietary supplements are intended to support health and wellness.
• Supplementation is a major health and wellness trend.
• Vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, and other supplements constitute big business.
• Advertising claims often suggest that optimal health and eternal youth are just a pill away.
• Dietary supplements have several major categories.
• Macronutrient-based supplements include amino acids, proteins, and essential fatty acids.
• Micronutrient-based supplements include vitamins and minerals that support healthy body functions.
• Probiotic supplements include beneficial bacteria such as those found in the intestines.
• Herbal supplements often target a specific body part, such as bones.
• Public health recommendations support certain supplement uses.
• Some public health officials recommend a daily multivitamin because many North Americans have poor diets.
• The US Preventive Task Force recommends a folate intake that may be easier to achieve with a supplement.
• Some groups may benefit from daily vitamin and mineral supplements.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may benefit from supplementation.
• Premenopausal women may need extra calcium and iron.
• Older adults and people with health issues affecting their ability to eat may benefit.
• Vegetarians, vegans, and others avoiding certain food groups may benefit.
• The word supplement means something that is added.
• Supplements are extras and should not replace a healthy diet.
• Food should remain the primary source of nutrients because it naturally contains nutrients in their proper package.