Living a healthier life is on many people’s to-do lists. From exercising to dieting, we’re all trying to make lifestyle changes for the better. For some of us, this includes adding a vitamin or supplement regimen to boost our nutritional intake. But is there a difference between a vitamin and a supplement? And if there is, what is it?

Vitamins & Supplements

There are a few varying opinions about vitamins and supplements in general. Some believe they’re not necessary, while others believe they’re a critical component in nutritional support. Used as interchangeable terms, vitamins and supplements are similar in some ways. For example, they are both ingestible intended to improve or regulate nutritional health by filling nutritional gaps. They can be found in several different forms, including pills, chewable and dissolvable tablets, liquid, and powders. Though they are used to fill a nutritional need, it is possible to “overdo” certain vitamins and minerals. Sara Gottfried, MD, warns,

“In health, there’s almost always a U-shaped curve, meaning too little is bad and too much is bad — getting the right dose is crucial. In addition, not everyone needs vitamins or supplements, so it’s important to determine whether any supplement is totally necessary.”

While there are commonalities, some people believe that vitamins and supplements are inherently different.

Supplements

According to Dr. Gottfried, “Supplements are any product that adds nutritional value to your diet or augments health. Vitamins are a type of supplement. Other types of supplements include minerals, herbs, or nutrients like fiber.” Dietary supplements typically contain a combination of these nutrients, as well as phytonutrients like carotenoids, or antioxidants, and flavonoids. While supplements can help promote health, they are not intended to be treatments or prevent any kind of illness. It is also ill-advised to take supplements  instead of eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and other nutritionally impactful foods. They can add nutritional support and fill any nutritional gaps that may exist, but they should not replace a healthy diet.

Vitamins

Vitamins are naturally occurring nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and other foods. Our bodies can’t create these nutrients, so we need to eat our fair share of these to support our bodies’ needs. Vitamins help support important bodily functions, and without that necessary nutritional support, we can become more vulnerable to certain health concerns.

As mentioned before, vitamins can be supplemented, but it’s important to not go overboard. Too much of anything is a bad thing, and it’s best to refer to a health professional before starting a regimen.

A Common Misconception

Although many believe in the power of supplementation, there are others who are hesitant about the possible positive outcomes. However, there are some common misbeliefs when it comes to supplementation. One of them is that these vitamins and dietary supplements are regulated by the government. Dr. Gottfried explains,

“Supplements…often lack the scientific scrutiny that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) requires prescription medications to have. Since the mandatory regulation is minimal, it’s a case of ‘buyer beware.’ Quality of a product is left to the manufacturer, which means that you must take great care when choosing your supplements.”

The EyePromise® Difference

EyePromise understands this wariness and takes the quality of our products very seriously. Along with sourcing the highest quality, natural ingredients, our eye health supplements are manufactured in FDA cGMP-approved facilities and certified by NSF® International. What does this mean? It means that our products and facilities go through rigorous and regular testing procedures to ensure that you’re getting the purest, more beneficial product for your eyes.

Additionally, EyePromise is dedicated to science. Our products and ingredients have been tested and are clinically proven to support overall eye health. With this validation, our eye health supplements are the #1 choice of eye care professionals and professional athletes. Find out which EyePromise vitamin is right for you.

Nutrition is an important piece in the puzzle that is a healthy lifestyle. While it’s important to eat a healthy diet, it can be difficult to get all the nutrients our bodies need to function at their best. That’s why supplementation can be a beneficial addition. But when it comes to adding a vitamin or supplement regimen to your daily routine, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider.

Sources

1. https://www.wonderlabs.com/blog/what-s-the-difference-between-vitamins-and-supplements
2. https://thefitbay.com/difference-vitamins-and-supplements/
3. https://coveteur.com/2019/11/05/real-difference-between-vitamins-supplements-md-sara-gottfried/
4. https://www.fitness19.com/the-difference-between-vitamins-and-supplements/
5. http://www.amwayconnections.com/vitamins-supplements/tell-difference-vitamin-supplement/