It's not always possible to get the necessary vitamins and nutrients for a daily diet, especially when you're cutting calories to lose weight. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, sales of vitamins and diet supplements rose by more than 30 percent between 2005 and 2009 --- these over-the-counter pills, shakes and health bars typically can provide added nutrition when it's missing in your diet.
Benefits
To receive the most benefits from your diet vitamins and supplements, talk to your doctor to make sure you're making the wisest choices. By talking to your doctor or a nutritionist about the kinds and amounts of food you eat, she can help you select the supplements that seem to be missing from your diet as well as inform you of higher levels you may not need.
Types
There are two main types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are easily absorbed and flushed out of the body as needed. Fat-soluble vitamins on the other hand are absorbed into the body and stored for later use. Diet supplements also may contain a number of other ingredients such as amino acids, herbs, enzymes and botanicals.
Considerations
More of cerain vitamins and nutrients is not always better, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. An overdose of fat-soluble vitamins, for example, can cause nausea, vomiting, liver problems and blurred vision. Certain supplements can interact negatively with other medications you may take. The FDA also instructs consumers to consider marketing hypes when choosing supplements. Be wary of any manufacturer that promises a quick fix or instant cure.
Function
The calories that you do eat should contain sufficient nutrition, and when they don't, vitamins and supplements may help fill the voids. Common nutritional deficiencies that can cause medical complications include calcium, fiber and potassium. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, many modern diets leave dieters low in vitamins B12, A, C and D.
Identification
Certain populations typically require additional nutrition in the form of dietary vitamins and supplements. According to the Mayo Clinic, if your diet reduces your calorie intake to fewer than 1,600 calories, you may need to supplement it with vitamins. If food intolerances prevent you from safely eating specific foods, supplements can help keep you balanced. Other people that may benefit from supplements include pregnant women and women who bleed heavily during menstruation, vegetarians, those who've had surgery and those with other medical conditions that prevent proper digestion such as chronic diarrhea, intestinal disorders or liver disease.
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