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This collection of fact sheets and other resources from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and other federal government sources presents information about dietary supplements and their ingredients. These include vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals, probiotics, and more.
- Vitamins and Minerals
Some dietary supplement ingredients are claimed to enhance...
- Vitamin D - Health Professional
The analysis of 2015–2016 data also showed that 28% of all...
- Vitamin D - Consumer
Tell your doctor, pharmacist, and other health care...
- Iron - Consumer
What is iron and what does it do? Iron is a mineral that the...
- Vitamin B12 - Consumer
This is a general overview. For more in-depth information,...
- Iron - Health Professional
The IOM notes that because the median intake of dietary iron...
- Thiamin - Health Professional
Thiamin (or thiamine) is one of the water-soluble B...
- Iodine - Health Professional
Dietary supplements containing only iodine are also...
- Biotin - Consumer
In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements are...
- Selenium - Health Professional
In addition,17% to 19% of adults use a dietary supplement...
- Vitamins and Minerals
Find general information and resources on dietary supplements, including fact sheets, questions and answers, safety and health claims, and more. Learn about vitamins, minerals, herbs, probiotics, and other supplements from various sources and agencies.
- Overview
- What are dietary supplements?
- What are the benefits of dietary supplements?
- Are there side effects of taking dietary supplements?
- What are the possible risks of taking dietary supplements?
- What’s the difference between food supplements and dietary supplements?
- What’s the outlook for people who take dietary supplements?
- Frequently asked questions
- Takeaway
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Dietary supplements are products such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs that claim to promote wellness. Many of these supplements do have known benefits, but there are also risks you should know about.
Some dietary supplements may help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of some health conditions. Healthcare professionals often recommend dietary supplements for people who have certain health conditions, are at risk of certain conditions, or have a lack of nutrients in their diets.
Dietary supplements include products such as vitamins, herbs, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and botanicals. They are available over the counter. Vitamins C and D, fish oil, echinacea, melatonin, calcium, iron, and probiotics are examples of common supplements.
Most come in multiple forms, such as:
•tablets
•capsules
•gummies
•teas
Dietary supplements can be a great source of nutrients. They can help improve your overall health and may reduce your risk of some health conditions.
Sometimes, a healthcare professional might recommend that you take a dietary supplement. For instance, they might advise that you take an iron supplement if you have iron deficiency anemia or take calcium if you a have risk of osteoporosis.
A healthcare professional might recommend a dietary supplement if you:
•have a high risk of a health condition that can be lowered with the addition of a nutrient
•need extra nutrients because you’re pregnant or nursing
•have a condition such as kidney failure that makes it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients
Dietary supplements can lead to side effects. The risk of side effects increases if you take many supplements together or if you take high doses. Since many dietary supplements add to the nutrients you get from foods, it can be easy to take an overly high dose without knowing.
Possible side effects of dietary supplements include:
•nausea
•vomiting
•headache
•constipation
Supplements can also have long-term complications and risks such as:
•liver or other organ damage
•reduced bone strength
•fetal development abnormalities
•increased risk of bleeding
•changes in your response to anesthesia
Manufacturers and retailers sometimes use the term “food supplements” to label supplements made from specific ingredients that are not made in a lab, are made to be added to foods, or are high in calories.
For instance, some powdered supplements that are meant to be mixed into a food or beverage might be called food supplements. Supplements that provide calories and are meant to replace a meal or part of a meal can also sometimes be called food supplements.
It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional about any dietary supplements you take. Although some have been found to improve overall health and lower the risk of certain health conditions, supplements can also come with risks.
The risks and outlook related to taking any supplement depends on the supplement type, the dosage, the reason you’re taking it, and factors such as your overall health and any medications you take.
What do dietary supplements do to your body?
Different dietary supplements have different effects on your body. For instance, vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, and curcumin can reduce inflammation.
Do dietary supplements help you lose weight?
Multiple supplements include weight loss on their list of benefits. However, there is little to no scientific evidence for most of these claims. You can read more about supplements and weight loss here.
How long does it take for dietary supplements to work?
The time it will take to see the effects of a supplement depends on the supplement type and dose. Sometimes, it can take just a day or two. But it might be weeks or months before you’ll notice the effects of some supplements.
Dietary supplements such as vitamins, herbs, and minerals can help provide nutrients and improve your overall health.
Supplements have some potential health benefits, and a healthcare professional might recommend that you take a supplement if you have certain health conditions or dietary restrictions.
Learn what dietary supplements are, how they can improve your health, and what side effects and risks they may have. Find out how to choose the right supplements and when to consult a healthcare professional.
Dietary supplements can help improve health but can also have risks. Get the facts on supplements and how the FDA regulates them to help keep you safe.
Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, and powders as well as drinks and energy bars. Popular supplements include vitamins D and B12; minerals like calcium and iron; herbs such as echinacea and garlic; and products like glucosamine, probiotics, and fish oils.
Fact Sheet for Consumers. Have a question? Ask ODS Join the ODS Email List. Consumer. Other Resources. Table of Contents. What is a dietary supplement? What is a new dietary ingredient? Are dietary supplements different from foods and drugs? What claims can manufacturers make for dietary supplements and drugs?
Learn about the vitamins and minerals your body needs and where to find them in foods. Explore an A to Z list of fact sheets for vitamin and mineral supplements from the National Institutes of Health.
