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Zuletzt aktualisiert am 15.06.2025
Pill here, capsule there, and a little powder later. Sounds familiar? You're not alone. In recent years, we've seen a huge boom in dietary supplements. Suddenly they're everywhere—pharmacies, drugstores, and even at discount stores, all lined up and promising to boost your health.
But standing in front of those shelves can be overwhelming. The flood of options is confusing, and a big question mark starts forming: What exactly are dietary supplements? And which ones are actually useful for you?
No worries—we at Vetain are experts on this topic. In this article, we’ll walk you through what dietary supplements really are. By the end, you’ll be able to shop for your daily supplements with confidence.
Quick takeaway: What are dietary supplements?
Dietary supplements are nutrients like vitamins & minerals in concentrated form that help provide your body with essential nutrients.
Which supplements make sense depends on individual factors like lifestyle, life stage, and diet.
A mindful and responsible approach to supplements is essential.
Definition
So what exactly are supplements? In short, they’re concentrated nutrients—like vitamins or minerals—delivered in pills, powders, capsules, tablets, or liquids. They’re designed to support your body with nutrients that may be lacking in your diet.
Most common types of supplements:
Vitamins
Minerals
Phytonutrients
Amino acids
Enzymes
Fatty acids
Now, if you're thinking: “Perfect, I’ll just eat pizza and chocolate all day and cover my nutrient needs with supplements”—sorry, but no. Supplements (aka: dietary supplements) are not a substitute for a healthy diet, but a complement. They help fill the gaps, but can’t replace fruits and veggies.
By the way: Did you know dietary supplements are legally considered foods, not medications?
Medications vs. Supplements
Before diving into “why supplements,” let’s clear up the difference between supplements and medicines. Supplements support your diet by helping you reach optimal nutrient levels. Medicines are designed to treat or cure illnesses.
While taking supplements can improve your nutrient status and overall well-being, they cannot treat diseases. So: supplements are for prevention and support—not for healing.
Who needs supplements?
Now that we know what dietary supplements are (and what they’re not), let’s look at why some people may benefit from them.
In theory, we can meet our nutrient needs through a balanced diet. In practice, though, certain life situations make that difficult or even impossible. Sometimes, your body simply needs more than food can provide.
In such cases, supplements can help: they prevent deficiencies, correct imbalances, and keep your body well-nourished.
Special life situations & phases:
Pregnant & breastfeeding women (there are special supplements for women)
Infants & toddlers
Seniors
Special diets & lifestyles:
Vegetarian diets
Vegan diets (many plant-based supplements available)
Physically active individuals
Not everyone needs supplements—but for many, they make sense. So now you're probably wondering: Which supplements are actually important for me?
When should you take supplements?
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your need for supplements depends on your unique lifestyle, diet, and life phase.
But here are some tips to help you figure it out:
Are you in one of the groups mentioned above? If yes, look for reliable info tailored to your situation.
Track your diet. What nutrients might you be missing? The German Nutrition Society (DGE) provides reference values.
Listen to your body. Constant fatigue, frequent illness, or low energy can be signs of a deficiency (though not always).
Seek advice. Talk to a doctor, nutritionist, or pharmacist—they can help assess your needs.
Also interesting: Are supplements really necessary?
Risks and side effects
Wait—are supplements dangerous? It’s just a few vitamins, right? Not quite. While supplements can be helpful, they also come with potential risks.
Common supplement risks:
Overdosing: Too much of a good thing can cause symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, or worse. Stick to recommended dosages!
Poor quality: Contaminated products, low-grade ingredients, questionable fillers, or overly high doses. Despite regulations, bad products still exist.
Interactions: Some supplements can interact negatively with each other or with medications.
Multivitamins & combos: These “A to Z” mixes often include nutrients you don’t even need. Stick to single supplements or personalized combos.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to use supplements wisely. Even the best product can be harmful if misused. That’s why informed, responsible use is so important.
Guide: How to choose quality supplements
The supplement aisle is huge—and not always trustworthy. So how do you find the right product?
A checklist for choosing good supplements:
Trusted quality seals and certifications
Clean, simple ingredient list
Transparent sourcing
Independent product tests and reviews
Manufacturer transparency and contact options: Good brands are always there for you!
Clear usage instructions and reasonable dosages
Bonus tip: Healthcare professionals and pharmacists are great resources if you need help.
One last thing: If the label promises “miracle cures” or “instant healing”—run! Far away.
Conclusion: What are dietary supplements?
Supplements complement a balanced diet and can help provide your body with vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients. Who needs which supplements? That’s completely individual!
We hope this article has helped you better understand what dietary supplements are!
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can supplements expire?
Yes! Always check the expiration date and avoid using expired products.
Which supplements should I take? What are important supplements?
That depends. Supplement needs vary by lifestyle, diet, and life phase.
Are supplements healthy?
Supplements can support a healthy life by helping you meet your daily nutrient needs—when used correctly.
Do I need supplements?
Not always. But in some cases, supplements can help ensure adequate nutrient intake—especially when diet alone isn't enough.
What are dietary supplements?
Supplements are products containing nutrients like vitamins and minerals, designed to complement a healthy diet.
What makes a good supplement?
Look for quality seals, clean ingredients, reliable sourcing, clear dosage guidelines, and recommendations from professionals.
Are supplements harmful?
Not inherently. But misuse can cause harm—so responsible usage and reliable information are key.
Literature & Sources
-
EFSA (Europäische Behörde für Lebensmittelsicherheit. (o. J.). Nahrungsergänzungsmittel. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/
de/topics/topic/food-
supplements -
Arbeitskreis Nahrungsergänzungsmittel im Lebensmittelverband Deutschland e.V. (2023). Nahrungsergänzungsmittel – die wichtigsten Fakten. https://www.lebensmittelverband.de
/fileadmin/Publikationen/Broschueren_
Flyer/2023/06/AK_NEM_Brochure_2023
_WEB_final.pdf -
BVL (Bundesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit). (o.J.) Nahrungsergänzungsmittel. https://www.bvl.bund.de/
DE/Arbeitsbereiche/01_Lebensmittel
/03_Verbraucher/04_NEM/NEM_
node.html -
BZfE (Bundeszentrum für Ernährung) in der Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung (BLE); Seeher, J.; Thiesmeier-Dormann, C. & Schmidt-Packmohr, C. (2023). Vitamine, Mineralstoffe und Co. Wann ist eine Nahrungsergänzung sinnvoll? In: Kompass Ernährung, 27(1).
About the Author
Melanie Seyfarth is a certified nutrition scientist (B.Sc.), a licensed supplement advisor, and an expert in vegetarian and vegan nutrition. Since 2018, she’s been researching the connections between food and health. On this blog, she shares insights on nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle—plus delicious recipes to try at home. Her writing blends science, experience, and a passion for making complex knowledge accessible and engaging.
Got questions? Feel free to email me—I'm happy to hear from you! :)
