Understanding Which of the Following Are Considered Dietary Supplements

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 20% of adults use supplements containing at least one botanical ingredient. Knowing which of the following are considered dietary supplements is crucial for making educated choices about what you consume and understanding the regulatory landscape.

Quick Summary

This guide defines what qualifies as a dietary supplement according to the FDA, detailing key ingredient categories like vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and more, available in various forms.

Key Points

FDA Classification: Dietary supplements are regulated as a category of food, not drugs, under DSHEA 1994, with manufacturers responsible for safety.
Diverse Ingredients: They contain various 'dietary ingredients,' including vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids, and other substances.
Wide Range of Forms: Supplements come in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, liquids, powders, and nutritional bars, not conventional foods.
Potential for Risks: Despite potential benefits, supplements can have side effects, interact with medications, and should be used with caution, especially in excess.
Informed Decisions: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.

The Legal Definition of a Dietary Supplement

Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines a dietary supplement as a product intended to supplement the diet. These products must contain one or more “dietary ingredients.” Crucially, they are regulated as a category of food, not as a drug. This means the FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they are marketed, and the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring the product is safe and accurately labeled.

Broad Categories of Dietary Ingredients

To answer the question of which of the following are considered dietary supplements, one must understand the distinct categories of ingredients that can be included. These categories are defined by the DSHEA.

Vitamins and Minerals

This is perhaps the most well-known category of supplements. They are essential micronutrients that the body needs for proper function.

Vitamins: These include both water-soluble vitamins (e.g., Vitamin C, B vitamins) and fat-soluble vitamins (e.g., Vitamins A, D, E, K). They can be sold individually or combined in a multivitamin product.
Minerals: Essential minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc are common supplements.

Herbs and Other Botanicals

Herbal and botanical supplements are products derived from plants or plant parts for medicinal or therapeutic purposes. These can come in many forms, including extracts, powders, or capsules.

Common Examples: This group includes popular products like echinacea, ginger, turmeric, and ginkgo biloba, each known for different traditional uses.

Amino Acids and Proteins

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and supplements containing them are popular, particularly among athletes and bodybuilders.

Amino Acids: These can be sold as individual amino acids (e.g., tryptophan) or as mixtures, and can aid in metabolism and tissue growth.
Protein Powders: Products made from whey, casein, or plant-based sources like soy or hemp are widely considered dietary supplements, intended to increase total protein intake.

Other Substances

This is a broad category that includes a variety of ingredients. The law defines these as dietary substances for use by humans to supplement the diet.

Enzymes: Such as lactase to aid digestion.
Probiotics: Live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed, often benefiting the gut microbiome.
Concentrates, Metabolites, Constituents, and Extracts: These are derived from other dietary ingredients and are also regulated as supplements. Examples include fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) and melatonin.

Common Forms of Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements are available in many different forms to suit consumer preference and ingredient stability. The most common forms include:

Tablets
Capsules
Softgels
Gummies
Powders
Liquids
Nutrition bars (labeled as a supplement, not conventional food)

Comparison of Common Supplement Types

Understanding the different purposes and characteristics of common supplement types can help users make informed decisions. The following table highlights key differences.


Feature	Vitamins/Minerals	Herbal/Botanicals	Probiotics	Proteins/Amino Acids
Primary Function	Correcting nutrient deficiencies; supporting basic bodily functions.	Therapeutic or medicinal purposes based on traditional use.	Promoting a healthy gut microbiome and improving digestion.	Supporting muscle growth, repair, and overall protein intake.
Source	Natural (food) or synthetic (lab-produced).	Derived from plants, roots, leaves, and bark.	Live microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts).	Whey, casein, or plant-based sources like soy, hemp, and peas.
Common Forms	Tablets, capsules, liquids.	Capsules, teas, powders.	Capsules, liquids, fermented foods.	Powders, bars, shakes.
Regulation	Regulated as food by the FDA, with labeling requirements.	Regulated as food, not evaluated for efficacy before sale.	Regulated as food, efficacy depends on strain and dose.	Regulated as food, common for athletic or dietary needs.

Important Safety Considerations

While many dietary supplements offer potential health benefits, they also carry risks. Overconsumption of certain nutrients, interactions with medications, or the presence of undeclared ingredients are all potential concerns. For instance, high doses of Vitamin E have been linked to an increased risk of bleeding. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a pre-existing health condition. Choosing products that have been third-party tested by organizations like NSF or USP can provide assurance regarding dosage and purity.

Conclusion

Knowing which products are considered dietary supplements involves recognizing the wide range of substances and forms they encompass, from foundational vitamins and minerals to complex botanical extracts and live probiotics. These products are intended to supplement, not replace, a healthy diet. The FDA's classification as a food item means that manufacturers bear the primary responsibility for safety, underscoring the importance of consumer awareness and professional consultation. By understanding the different categories and exercising caution, individuals can make more informed decisions regarding their use of supplements. For more information, visit the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

A dietary supplement is intended to supplement the diet and contains 'dietary ingredients' like vitamins, minerals, or herbs. It must be labeled as a supplement and cannot be represented as a conventional food or a meal replacement.

No, the FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they are marketed. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure product safety and accurate labeling, although the FDA can take action against unsafe products after they are on the market.

Yes, vitamins are a primary category of dietary ingredients found in supplements. Multivitamins and individual vitamins like C and D are all considered dietary supplements.

Yes, probiotics are considered dietary supplements. They are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits and are available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and fermented foods.

Yes, herbs and other botanicals are included in the definition of dietary ingredients. Products like echinacea, ginger, and turmeric are commonly sold as dietary supplements.

Yes, some supplements can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness or causing adverse effects. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements you are taking.

Look for third-party certifications from organizations such as NSF International or U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). These logos on a product label indicate that the contents have been tested and verified.