Nutritional supplements are manufactured products designed to complement a person’s diet by providing essential nutrients in the form of pills, capsules, tablets, powders, or liquids. These supplements can contain nutrients derived from food sources or synthetic sources to enhance their consumption. The classes of nutrient compounds found in these supplements include vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids, and amino acids. Additionally, some dietary supplements may include substances that are not considered essential nutrients but are marketed for their potential beneficial biological effects, such as plant pigments or polyphenols. It is worth noting that animals can also serve as a source of supplement ingredients like collagen from chickens or fish.
According to what I know, the global dietary supplement industry was estimated to be worth $151.9 billion in 2021. In the United States alone, there are over 50,000 different dietary supplement products available on the market. Approximately 50% of American adults consume dietary supplements regularly, with multivitamins being the most commonly used type among them.
The United States National Institutes of Health suggests that dietary supplements “may be of value” for individuals who have nutrient deficiencies due to their diet and have received approval from their healthcare provider. However, it is important to note that in the U.S., it is illegal for supplement manufacturers to claim that their products can prevent or treat any diseases. Instead, they can use “Structure/Function” wording if there is scientific evidence supporting a potential health effect of the supplement. For example, a label might state “_ helps maintain healthy joints,” but it must also include a disclaimer stating that the FDA has not evaluated the claim and that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The regulation of dietary supplements in the U.S. falls under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA). This act defines dietary supplements as products intended to supplement the diet and includes various ingredients like vitamins, minerals, herbs or botanicals, amino acids, and more. These supplements must be labeled as such and cannot be represented as conventional foods or drugs.
Vitamins are organic compounds necessary for human health and well-being. Humans require thirteen essential vitamins in their diet: A, C, D, E, K, Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Vitamin B6, Biotin (B7), Folate (B9), and Vitamin B12. While vitamin deficiencies can lead to various health issues, consuming vitamins as dietary supplements may not provide significant benefits for healthy individuals with a balanced diet.
Minerals are exogenous chemical elements vital for life processes. Essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, zinc are crucial for human health and have recommended intake levels set by authorities like the Institute of Medicine. Some minerals are marketed as dietary supplements either individually or combined with other vitamins.
In conclusion nutritional supplements play a significant role in providing essential nutrients that may be lacking in an individual’s diet. They are regulated by laws like DSHEA in the U.S., which ensure they are safe and properly labeled for consumers’ use.
