Nearly everyone in todays world is aware of various supplements and their uses, and its normal for many people to regularly take supplements for a variety of reasons. We regularly hear about supplements through many sources like advertisements, influencers on social media, or news outlets. Because of this information, really understanding the implications of starting a new supplement, and knowing if you really need it or not is very important for your safety.

What Are Supplements?

So what actually are supplements? Supplements are products designed to provide nutrients that may be missing or insufficient in your diet. They come in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. Some common supplements include:

Probiotics and digestive enzymes – To support gut health.

Vitamins and minerals – Such as vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.

Protein supplements – Often used by athletes and bodybuilders.

Herbal and botanical extracts – Such as turmeric, ashwagandha, and ginseng.

Amino acids and nootropics – Designed to support brain function and recovery.

How to Know If You Need To Start A Supplement

Supplement use can be great for certain people in order to correct deficiencies or improve their health, but supplement use should not be a replacement for a well balanced diet. Developing good eating habits like increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, various proteins, and healthy fats is the best way to ensure you are meeting your needs before starting a supplement.

If you still believe you should supplement beyond your diet, here are a few things to consider:

• Have you spoken to a healthcare provider? Healthcare providers such as your physician or dietitian can be great resources to understand what you may and may not need.
• Have you gotten lab work done? If your labs are abnormal even with a healthy diet, supplementation may be the next step.
• Does it make sense with your lifestyle? For example, it’s unlikely if you are getting high quality protein in at each meal that you would need a protein supplement, but athletes or those with certain conditions may require more than their normal dietary intake.

Want to talk to a Dietitian about your supplement use? Book with Krystal Here.

Deciding On A Safe Supplement

Supplements are not currently regulated by the FDA or any government body. This means that supplement companies can market these products in whatever way they want, and that the quality or safety of the product is not ensured.

When choosing a safe supplement read the label, check out the manufacture’s website, and look for 3rd party testing labels to ensure you are consuming a safe product.

The Takeaway

Supplements are commonly used, but may not always be necessary. Consumption of a well balanced and healthful diet is the first step to meeting your nutritional needs. If you are looking to start supplementing beyond that, speak to a healthcare provider to get the full scoop.

Rachel Brown

Rachel Brown is a Dietetics Student at Idaho State University. She is currently completing her bachelors degree and will be attending ISU for her Masters and Dietetic Internship come Fall of 2025. She plans to become a Registered Dietitian in the future.

Using her knowledge from her coursework and research, she helps write blogs for The Mother Road Dietitian. Outside of school, she volunteers at the Idaho State University Food Pantry and also works on her personal blog (www.rachelelieen.com) which she used to learn about social media marketing, website design, and SEO. In her spare time, Rachel loves to workout, see friends, and travel!