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Dietary Supplements
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Food Nutrition

Dietary Supplements

While dietary supplements can support health, they are not regulated like drugs and should be used with caution and professional guidance.

Overview

Dietary supplements are vitamins, minerals, herbs, and many other products. They can come as pills, capsules, powders, drinks, and energy bars. Supplements do not have to go through the testing that drugs do.

Benefits of Supplements

Some supplements can play an important role in health. For example, calcium and vitamin D are important for keeping bones strong. Pregnant women can take the vitamin folic acid to prevent certain birth defects in their babies.

Safety Precautions

To take a supplement as safely as possible:

  • Tell your health care provider about any dietary supplements you use.
  • Do not take a bigger dose than the label recommends.
  • Check with your health care provider about the supplements you take if you are going to have any type of surgery.
  • Read trustworthy information about the supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most standard multivitamins are low‑risk, but some vitamins (e.g., vitamin K) and minerals (e.g., calcium, magnesium) can interfere with drugs like warfarin, certain antibiotics, or thyroid hormone replacement. Always list every supplement to your prescribing clinician or pharmacist, and ask whether any specific ingredient might affect your medication’s absorption or metabolism.
Herbal products such as ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, and high‑dose fish oil can increase bleeding risk, while St. John’s wort can affect anesthesia metabolism. Vitamins A and E in large doses may also impair clotting. Discontinue these at least 2 weeks before elective surgery, and confirm the timing with your surgeon or anesthesiologist.
gummy can help fill minor gaps, but it shouldn’t replace a balanced diet. Gummies often lack the full spectrum of nutrients found in whole foods and may contain added sugars. Aim to introduce a variety of foods gradually, and use the supplement only as a short‑term bridge while you work on improving dietary habits.
Look for products that have been third‑party tested by organizations such as USP, NSF International, or ConsumerLab. These seals indicate the label’s ingredient list matches what’s in the bottle and that heavy metals, pesticides, or unlisted substances are below safety limits. Also check for a clear list of active ingredients, dosage, and a batch number; avoid products that make disease‑curing claims or lack a manufacturer’s contact information.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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