Chances are that, whatever nutritional goal you're seeking, there's one or more nutritional supplements on the market that claim to fit the need. While nutritional supplements can sometimes compensate for dietary shortcomings, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) says a balanced diet can fill full nutritional needs for most people.
What are Nutritional Supplements?
Nutritional or dietary supplements are products taken orally that contain ingredients meant to supplement a person's diet, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Ingredients
Dietary ingredients in nutritional supplements might include vitamins, minerals, enzymes, organ tissues or other substances.
Forms
Dietary supplements can take the form of tablets, capsules, liquids or powders, and sometimes might even come in the form of traditional foods, such as health bars. Dietary supplements are required by the FDA to label themselves as such.
Ingredient List
The label of each nutritional supplement is required by the FDA to state every ingredient in the product. All ingredients, including those such as water or food coloring additives must be listed either in the "Supplement Facts" or "Other Ingredients" panels. The FDA, however, does not test nutritional supplements prior to marketing, though it will investigate adverse effects reported after the product goes to market.
Position
The official position of the ADA is that, to best promote health and prevent the development of chronic disease, people should eat from a wide variety of foods. Nutritional supplements and fortified foods might be helpful for some people to meet nutritional needs based on established scientific nutrition standards.
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