Definition:
Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet.
They can include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, and other substances.
These products are typically available in capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid form and are not intended to be consumed as food itself but rather to supplement the nutritional intake from food.
Examples:
Vitamin D supplements to support bone health.
Iron supplements for those with iron deficiency anemia.
Herbal supplements like echinacea for immune support.
Key Points:
Dietary supplements are regulated as food, not as drugs, in many countries, meaning they are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or alleviate the effects of diseases.
They are intended to supplement the diet and ensure the intake of essential nutritional components.
The safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements can vary, and they are subject to less rigorous regulatory oversight compared to pharmaceuticals