What are supplements, vitamins, minerals, and proprietary blends?
Supplements are products that are taken by mouth and contain a “dietary ingredient,” such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, or other nutrients (1Trusted Source).
Available in numerous forms, including capsules, gummies, tinctures, powders, and liquids, dietary supplements are typically marketed as an easy and efficient way to boost your physical or mental health.
Other important definitions to understand when looking at supplements include (2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source):
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Vitamins. Vitamins are essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly and stay healthy. Many help regulate vital metabolic functions, including growth, nerve function, and digestion.
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Fat-soluble vitamins. These vitamins dissolve in fat and can be stored in your body. They include vitamins A, D, E, and K.
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Water-soluble vitamins. These vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored by the body. They include vitamin C and B vitamins.
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Minerals. Minerals are inorganic elements that are essential for specific bodily functions, such as growth, bone health, and fluid balance.
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Proprietary blend. A proprietary blend is a unique combination of ingredients that’s created by a supplement manufacturer. Oftentimes, it’s hard to tell from the label how much of each ingredient the blend contains.
For most healthy individuals, it’s possible to consume all the vitamins and minerals you need through diet alone. However, there are certain conditions, medications, and circumstances when supplements may be needed to meet nutritional needs.
Still, a key point to make when talking about dietary supplements is that they’re designed to supplement — not replace — nutrients or other compounds in your diet.
This means that even if you’re taking a supplement, it’s still important to consume a varied and balanced diet if possible.
