Food supplements add concentrated nutrients to the normal diet. Legally they count as foods. They are regulated, among other things, by EU Directive 2002/46/EC and the German Food and Feed Code (LFGB).
What food supplements are there?
Food supplements mainly contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids or antioxidants. They are offered as tablets, effervescent tablets, capsules, drops or drinking ampoules. There are also combinations tailored to particular body functions.
Who are they suitable for?
A food supplement can be of interest for these groups, for example:
- Women who wish to have a child, and pregnant and breastfeeding women
- People who get little sun
- People who follow a vegan diet or strict diets
- Athletes
- People with chronic illnesses
Food supplements do not replace a balanced and varied diet. It is best to ask a doctor or pharmacist whether a product makes sense for you, and which one.
