What is the Difference Between Vitamins and Supplements?

Most likely, you take some vitamins and supplements as part of your daily wellness routine. But do you know the difference between vitamins and supplements?

These two terms are often used interchangeably, so it’s easy to think they’re one and the same. While they have similarities, like being ingestible and used to fill nutritional gaps, they aren’t quite the same.

Find out what distinguishes vitamins and supplements below.

Defining Vitamins

Vitamins are naturally occurring nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and other foods. Vitamins help support important bodily functions, and without that necessary nutritional support, we can become more susceptible to certain health concerns.

Defining Supplements

Supplements are any product that adds nutritional value to your diet. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), supplements are pills (including gummies), powders, or liquids that are made of vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes.

So, while vitamins are one type of supplement, supplements include more than just vitamins.

Vitamins Vs. Supplements: Is There a Difference?

Essentially, supplements are an umbrella under which a variety of products used as nutritional complements to a person’s diet exist. Vitamins are just one type of supplement.

Since it can be difficult to meet our nutritional requirements from diet alone, taking supplements is often a good way to fill in any nutritional gaps in our diets. Regardless of whether you take vitamins and/or other types of supplements, it’s important to remember they’re intended to be taken alongside a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and other nutritionally rich foods. While they can add nutritional support and fill in any nutritional gaps that may exist, they aren’t a replacement for a healthy diet.

Before adding a vitamin or supplement regimen to your daily routine, it’s advised to consult your medical professional first. Once you’re given the green light, shop Country Life Vitamins for the nutritional supplements you need. From daily multivitamins and immunity support to gut health supplements and more, you’ll find what you need when you shop with us.

Sources:

https://www.healthdigest.com/784132/the-big-difference-between-vitamins-and-supplements/

https://www.pharexhealth.com/health-articles/the-difference-between-vitamins-and-supplements