Can I use my HSA for supplements and vitamins?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

According to IRS Publication 502, the cost of vitamins and supplements is generally not a qualified medical expense unless a healthcare provider recommends them to treat a specific medical condition. This nuance is often misunderstood by Health Savings Account (HSA) holders seeking to maximize their tax-advantaged funds for preventative wellness.

Quick Summary

Using an HSA for supplements or vitamins is possible only if they are medically necessary to treat or prevent a diagnosed condition, requiring a Letter of Medical Necessity from a healthcare provider.

Key Points

Medical Necessity: HSA funds can only be used for vitamins and supplements that are medically necessary to treat a specific diagnosed condition, not for general health purposes.
Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN): A formal letter from a healthcare provider, detailing the diagnosis, specific supplement, dosage, and duration, is required for most supplements to be eligible.
Prenatal Exception: Prenatal vitamins are an important exception and are generally HSA-eligible without a Letter of Medical Necessity because they address a specific condition related to pregnancy.
Documentation is Key: Retain all Letters of Medical Necessity, purchase receipts, and records of your diagnosis to substantiate your claims in case of an IRS audit.
Ineligible for General Use: Common supplements like daily multivitamins, protein powders, and herbal remedies purchased for general wellness are not HSA-eligible expenses.

Navigating IRS Rules for HSA-Eligible Expenses

When it comes to using your Health Savings Account (HSA) for supplements and vitamins, the rules are not as straightforward as they are for a doctor's visit or prescription medication. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) outlines specific criteria for what qualifies as a medical expense, and the distinction between general health and treating a medical condition is key. In short, if you are taking a supplement for general wellness or 'just in case,' it will not be considered an eligible expense. However, if a licensed healthcare provider determines that a supplement is necessary to treat, cure, or prevent a specific illness or condition, it can become a qualified expense.

The Importance of Medical Necessity

Medical necessity is the cornerstone of HSA eligibility for supplements. It is not enough for a supplement to be generally beneficial; it must be part of a treatment plan for a diagnosed issue. For example, taking a daily multivitamin to boost your overall health is not eligible, but taking an iron supplement to treat diagnosed anemia is. The recommendation from a healthcare provider must clearly state that the supplement is needed to address a specific medical problem, not just to promote general well-being. This is true for a wide range of products, from vitamin D to address a deficiency to probiotics prescribed for managing a digestive disorder like IBS.

Required Documentation: The Letter of Medical Necessity

To ensure your purchase is HSA-eligible, you will need to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your healthcare provider. While a formal prescription is not always required, the LMN serves as the crucial documentation needed for both your HSA administrator and in case of an IRS audit. A proper LMN should include the following:

Your diagnosed medical condition.
The specific supplement and dosage prescribed.
The duration of the treatment plan.
An explanation of how the supplement will treat or mitigate the condition.

After receiving the LMN, it is vital to keep meticulous records. Save all purchase receipts and documentation alongside your LMN. If you use your HSA debit card for a purchase that is later deemed ineligible, you may face penalties.

HSA vs. General Purchase: When Supplements are Eligible


Feature	HSA-Eligible with LMN	Not HSA-Eligible (for general wellness)
Purpose	To treat or prevent a specific, diagnosed medical condition.	To support general health, energy, or performance.
Examples	Iron for diagnosed anemia; Vitamin D for documented deficiency; Probiotics for IBS.	Daily multivitamins; General probiotics; Protein powder; Athletic performance supplements.
Documentation	Required: Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a healthcare provider.	No documentation is needed, but the expense is not qualified.
Prenatal Exception	Prenatal vitamins are often HSA-eligible without an LMN because they address a specific medical condition (pregnancy).	Not applicable.
Tax Status	Purchased with pre-tax dollars, making it a tax-advantaged expense.	Purchased with post-tax dollars.

Common Eligible and Ineligible Supplements

Supplements That Can Be Eligible (with an LMN)

Iron Supplements: For individuals with diagnosed iron-deficiency anemia.
Vitamin D: Prescribed to treat a medically documented vitamin D deficiency or osteoporosis.
Probiotics: If recommended by a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, to treat a specific digestive issue like IBS.
Folic Acid: Can be eligible during pregnancy with a healthcare provider's recommendation.
Glucosamine: Recommended for the treatment of joint pain associated with arthritis.

Supplements That Are Not Eligible (for general use)

Multivitamins: Taking a generic multivitamin for overall health and well-being does not qualify.
Protein Powders: Supplements used for general fitness or muscle-building are not covered.
Herbal Remedies: Unless prescribed to treat a specific illness, supplements like turmeric or echinacea are generally ineligible.
Weight Loss Supplements: These typically fall under general wellness and are not qualified.

Conclusion

While it is possible to use your HSA for supplements and vitamins, it is crucial to understand and adhere to the strict guidelines set forth by the IRS. The key is medical necessity, not general wellness. For any supplement purchase outside of prenatal vitamins, you must have a Letter of Medical Necessity from a healthcare professional documenting its use for a specific condition. By following this protocol and keeping thorough records, you can confidently use your HSA funds for medically necessary supplements and avoid potential penalties. For the definitive resource on qualified medical expenses, refer to the IRS Publication 502.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot use your HSA for vitamins or supplements intended for general health. The expense must be medically necessary to treat or prevent a specific diagnosed condition to be eligible.

You typically need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a healthcare provider, not necessarily a formal prescription, to prove the supplement is required to treat a specific condition.

Yes, prenatal vitamins are often HSA-eligible without an LMN or prescription. They are recognized as a necessary preventative expense related to pregnancy.

You should keep the Letter of Medical Necessity from your provider, all purchase receipts, and records of your diagnosis. This is crucial for verifying eligibility with your HSA administrator or the IRS.

Yes, if your doctor diagnoses a vitamin D deficiency and provides a Letter of Medical Necessity stating that the supplement is required for treatment, it is an eligible expense.

An LMN is a document from a licensed healthcare provider confirming that a particular supplement or vitamin is needed to treat a specific medical condition, justifying it as an HSA-eligible expense.

Using your HSA for a non-qualified expense could result in the funds being taxed as ordinary income, plus a potential 20% penalty if you are under age 65.