What do you call supplements? Understanding the Terminology

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, over half of all American adults take some form of dietary supplement. While this is a common practice, the terminology surrounding these products can be confusing. From vitamins to nutraceuticals, a variety of names are used to describe products intended to enhance one's daily nutritional intake. This guide will clarify the most common names and their applications, providing a clear understanding of the supplement landscape.

Quick Summary

This guide clarifies the various names used for supplements, such as dietary, nutritional, and food supplements, and discusses their composition, forms, and regulatory status.

Key Points

Dietary Supplement: The most formal and legally defined term in the U.S., covering a wide array of products intended to supplement the diet.
Nutritional Supplement: A general term referring to any product that adds nutrients, such as vitamins or minerals, to a person's diet.
Food Supplement: A synonym for dietary supplement, commonly used in Europe to describe products that complement regular food intake.
Nutraceuticals: A broader, less formally defined term for food-derived products offering additional health benefits, which should not be confused with strict dietary supplements.
Types and Forms: Supplements include various categories like vitamins, minerals, herbs, and probiotics, and come in diverse forms like tablets, powders, and gummies.
Regulation Differs: Unlike medications, dietary supplements do not require FDA approval for safety and efficacy before being marketed.

Common Names for Supplements

When discussing products meant to augment one's diet, several terms are frequently used, often interchangeably. The most common and official term in the United States is "dietary supplement". This is the legal term used by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and encompasses a wide range of products intended for oral consumption that contain one or more dietary ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, or amino acids.

Another widely recognized term is "nutritional supplement." This phrase is a general, descriptive term that refers to any product designed to add nutrients to a person's diet. While not a formal legal designation like dietary supplement in the U.S., it is broadly understood and used by both consumers and healthcare professionals to describe the function of these products.

"Food supplement" is a term commonly used outside of the United States, particularly in Europe, and is another synonym for dietary or nutritional supplements. Like the other terms, it emphasizes the product's role in complementing, rather than replacing, the nutrients obtained from regular food intake.

Classification of Supplements

Supplements can be classified in various ways, most commonly by their primary ingredient. This helps in understanding the product's specific purpose and contents.

Vitamins and Minerals

This is perhaps the most familiar category. Multivitamins, individual vitamins like C and D, and minerals such as calcium and iron are all considered dietary supplements. They are intended to fill nutritional gaps that may exist in a person's diet.

Botanicals or Herbs

Products made from plants are known as botanicals or herbal supplements. Examples include echinacea, ginkgo biloba, and St. John's wort. These have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are marketed for various health benefits.

Probiotics

These supplements contain live microorganisms, or "good bacteria," intended to support digestive and immune health. Live microbials are a specific type of dietary ingredient covered under the FDA's definition.

Protein Powders and Amino Acids

Used primarily by athletes and those looking to build muscle, protein powders (like whey or casein) and amino acid supplements (like BCAAs) are also a form of dietary supplement. They are used to facilitate increases in lean body mass and support performance.

Essential Fatty Acids

Supplements like fish oil and flaxseed oil provide essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.

A Spectrum of Terminology

While the terms above are most common, other related words are sometimes used. A "nutraceutical" is a term that combines "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical" and is often used to describe food-derived products with medicinal or health benefits. Unlike dietary supplements, there is no standardized regulatory definition for nutraceuticals, and they may be regulated differently depending on the country and product claims. Understanding this distinction is crucial for consumers.

Supplements vs. Medications

It is vital to distinguish between a supplement and a conventional medication. The primary distinction lies in their purpose and regulatory process. Supplements are intended to augment the diet and maintain health, whereas drugs are intended to treat, prevent, or cure diseases. The FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are sold, unlike drugs.


Feature	Dietary Supplements	Conventional Medications
Primary Purpose	To supplement the diet and support overall health.	To treat, prevent, or cure diseases.
FDA Approval	No FDA approval required before marketing.	Must undergo rigorous FDA approval process for safety and efficacy.
Safety Oversight	Manufacturer is responsible for safety; FDA can step in if a product is unsafe.	FDA requires extensive clinical trials to prove safety and effectiveness.
Labeling Claims	Can make 'structure/function' claims, like 'supports bone health,' but must include an FDA disclaimer.	Can claim to treat, prevent, or cure diseases based on trial data.
Form	Oral forms like tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, and gummies.	Wide variety of forms including oral, injected, topical, etc.

Common Forms of Supplements

Supplements are available in numerous formats to suit consumer preference. Common forms include:

Tablets and Capsules: The most traditional and widely available forms, offering precise dosing.
Gummies: A popular choice for children and adults who dislike swallowing pills, often resembling candy.
Powders: Versatile for mixing into drinks or foods, common for protein and green supplements.
Liquids and Shots: For quick absorption and ease of consumption.
Softgels: A type of capsule with a gelatin-based shell, typically used for oil-based supplements like fish oil.

Choosing Your Supplement

When choosing a supplement, understanding the terminology is the first step, but it is not the only consideration. Since the FDA does not pre-approve supplements, it's advisable to look for products that have been third-party tested by organizations like NSF International or USP. These certifications provide assurance that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label in the correct amounts and is free from harmful contaminants. Always consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or registered dietitian, before beginning any supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Conclusion

In summary, "what do you call supplements?" can have several answers, including the formal "dietary supplements" and the more general "nutritional" or "food supplements". While the names may vary, their primary function is consistent: to add to a person's diet. Understanding these different terms, along with the distinct classifications and the crucial difference between supplements and medications, empowers consumers to make informed health decisions. Always prioritize a balanced diet and consult a professional before starting a new supplement to ensure it's both safe and appropriate for your needs.

For more detailed information on dietary supplement regulation, see the official guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Frequently Asked Questions

A dietary supplement is intended to supplement the diet and maintain health, whereas a drug is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. The FDA regulates them differently; drugs must be proven safe and effective before marketing, but supplements do not.

In essence, yes. 'Food supplement' is a term commonly used in regions outside the U.S., particularly in Europe, but both terms refer to products that provide additional nutrients to complement one's regular diet.

No, the term 'supplement' covers a broad range of products beyond just vitamins. It also includes minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, and other botanical substances.

A 'nutraceutical' is a term for a food-derived product with claimed extra health benefits. It is a broader and less formal term than 'dietary supplement' and does not have the same standardized regulatory definition.

Supplements come in many forms to suit user preference, including tablets, capsules, gummies, powders, and liquids. Some may also be incorporated into foods like bars or energy drinks.

In the United States, dietary supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring the safety and accuracy of labeling.

While the FDA doesn't approve supplements, you can look for third-party certifications from organizations like NSF or USP, which verify the product contains what its label claims and is free of harmful contaminants. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking new supplements.