In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Is a Supplement?Our Search for Dietary SupplementsOur Promise
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Is a Supplement?
Our Search for Dietary Supplements
Our Promise
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Photo:Getty Images
Getty Images
The content of this methodology is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician, registered dietitian or other qualified health provider with any question you have regarding dietary supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.Dietary supplements—as the name suggests—are meant to supplement your diet. For most people, taking supplements isn’t essential. But supplements are popular and, in some cases, they can be helpful. Up to three-quarters of Americans take supplements, according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition.
Supplements come in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, soft gels, powders, gummies, liquids and more. A supplement can be a single nutrient or compound—or a combination of a few of the following:
EatingWell / Nick Simpson
A supplement can help prevent or correct a nutrient deficiency (think: vitamin D or iron), or insufficiency (such as magnesium orfiber). They can provide additional nutrition support for health issues or chronic conditions, as well as during various life stages, such as pregnancy (we’re looking at you, folic acid) or menopause. Supplements can also help people with restrictive diets due to allergies or personal choice (vegetarian, vegan, etc.).
There’s a catch with supplements, though: They are not regulated the same way food or medications are in the U.S. They technically fall under the oversight of FDA, but the FDA doesn’t verify dietary supplements for safety or efficacy or approve their labeling before they go to market. Instead, it’s the supplement manufacturer’s responsibility to follow FDA’s labeling guidelines, which include whether a supplement contains the ingredients it says it does and in the quantities listed.
That said, there are plenty of vitamins, minerals,protein powdersand other supplements on the market that can be safe, effective and have the potential to better your health. And there are supplement manufacturers working diligently to ensure their products are exactly what they say they are. So, how can you decipher the difference between a supplement worth taking and one to skip? We’re here to help.
AtEatingWell, part of our mission is to provide science-backed wellness advice to help you—our readers—live your best lives. So, when we recommend a certain supplement, here’s what you can expect from us:
EatingWell / Henry Wortock
We will be transparent with how we came to make our recommendations, including why we recommend certain options. We aim to always offer easy-to-understand information about why you may—or may not—need a particular supplement so that you can be empowered to make the healthiest decision for you.
We monitor the market for recalls and new launches and keep our lists updated for safety, accuracy and availability. Though we may occasionally accept free samples for testing purposes, we never promise coverage or let it influence our opinion of a product.
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.2020 CRN Survey Reveals Focus on Vitamins and Minerals—Available-for-Purchase Consumer Survey Reaffirms Consumer Confidence and Trust in the Industry | Council for Responsible Nutrition.FDA.Label claims for conventional foods and dietary supplements.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.2020 CRN Survey Reveals Focus on Vitamins and Minerals—Available-for-Purchase Consumer Survey Reaffirms Consumer Confidence and Trust in the Industry | Council for Responsible Nutrition.FDA.Label claims for conventional foods and dietary supplements.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
2020 CRN Survey Reveals Focus on Vitamins and Minerals—Available-for-Purchase Consumer Survey Reaffirms Consumer Confidence and Trust in the Industry | Council for Responsible Nutrition.FDA.Label claims for conventional foods and dietary supplements.
2020 CRN Survey Reveals Focus on Vitamins and Minerals—Available-for-Purchase Consumer Survey Reaffirms Consumer Confidence and Trust in the Industry | Council for Responsible Nutrition.
FDA.Label claims for conventional foods and dietary supplements.
