Vitamins vs Supplements: What's the Difference?
Vitamins and supplements are two popular terms that are often used interchangeably. While the two appear to be the same, there is a difference. Vitamins are essential elements that are found in everyday foods that humans need in order to remain healthy. Supplements on the other hand can contain vitamins, herbs, minerals, and even fiber. Here we will take a look at the main differences between vitamins and supplements.
Vitamins are organic substances that are found in a variety of foods. They are essential in that they are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Human bodies cannot create these vitamins on their own. This means that they must be consumed through food or taken in supplement form. Vitamins are divided into two main categories – water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are those that are easily absorbed by the body and do not remain in the body for extended periods of time. Fat-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, are usually stored in the body for long periods of time.
Supplements are a broad term encompassing many different substances. They are primarily used to boost nutrient intake or to make up for dietary deficiencies. Most often, supplements contain vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that the quality and quantity of the ingredients can vary greatly. This means that it is important to do your research before purchasing any supplement product.
In conclusion, vitamins and supplements are not the same. Vitamins are essential elements that are found in everyday foods and are needed for humans to remain healthy. Supplements are used to boost nutrient intake or to make up for dietary deficiencies and can contain vitamins, minerals, and other added substances. While vitamins are widely recognized as important for human health, it is important to do research before purchasing any supplement product.