The Core Terminology: Dietary and Nutritional Supplements
Health supplements are products intended to provide nutrients that may be lacking in a person’s diet. While a single, universal term does not apply to all products, there are a few primary names that are widely used and legally defined, particularly in the United States. Understanding these core terms is the first step in clarifying the often-confusing landscape of health-related products.
Dietary Supplements
In the United States, the most common regulatory term is 'dietary supplement.' They are considered a category of food, not drugs, and do not require FDA approval before marketing.
Nutritional Supplements
The term 'nutritional supplement' is frequently used interchangeably with 'dietary supplement'. It broadly refers to products that supplement the diet with nutrients to improve nutritional intake, whether due to deficiency, a restricted diet, or general health support.
Beyond the Basics: Understanding Specific Categories
Health supplements are also categorized based on their main ingredients or function. These names help indicate the product's intended use.
Vitamins and Minerals
Essential micronutrients like vitamins and minerals are vital for proper body function. Supplements may contain single vitamins or minerals, or be a multivitamin/mineral blend.
Herbal and Botanical Supplements
Derived from plants, herbal supplements (botanicals) are used for medicinal or therapeutic purposes, such as echinacea or St. John's wort. It's important to consult a healthcare provider about potential interactions.
Amino Acids and Proteins
Amino acids are protein building blocks crucial for muscle health. Protein powders and amino acid supplements are popular for increasing protein intake.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms, often used to support a healthy gut microbiome.
Unpacking the Term "Nutraceutical"
The term 'nutraceutical' combines 'nutrition' and 'pharmaceutical' for food-derived products with health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This term is often vague and lacks a clear legal definition by bodies like the FDA.
How Regulatory Bodies Influence Naming
Regulatory frameworks significantly impact how these products are named and marketed, leading to regional variations. For more information, visit the {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-dietary-supplements}.
Choosing the Right Terminology: A Comparison Table
| Characteristic | Dietary Supplement | Nutraceutical |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A product intended to supplement the diet by providing dietary ingredients. | A food or part of a food offering extra health benefits, including disease prevention or treatment. |
| Ingredients | Vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other dietary substances. | Often natural bioactive compounds, plant extracts, or fortified foods. |
| Regulation (US) | Regulated as a food; requires a 'Supplement Facts' label. No pre-market approval required. | Not officially defined or regulated as a distinct category by the FDA. |
| Purpose | To fill nutritional gaps and support overall health. | To promote general well-being and potentially prevent chronic diseases (must include FDA disclaimer in the US). |
| Examples | Multivitamins, fish oil capsules, calcium tablets, protein powder. | Resveratrol, specific probiotics, fortified orange juice with vitamin D. |
Conclusion: The Evolving Lexicon of Health Supplements
To answer the question, what are health supplements called, one must acknowledge the variety of terms in use. While 'dietary supplement' and 'nutritional supplement' are the most common and widely understood names, specific products are also identified by their contents, such as 'vitamins,' 'minerals,' and 'herbal supplements.' The term 'nutraceutical' is often used more broadly to suggest therapeutic benefits but lacks a clear regulatory definition in many countries. Ultimately, for the consumer, the most reliable approach is to understand that a supplement is meant to add to, not replace, a balanced diet. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen.
