To start with, what exactly is a dietary supplement? A supplement is a concentrated source of nutrients (vitamins, minerals) or other food components (amino acids, fatty acids) with a physiological effect, such as plant extracts. They are used to complement a regular diet when necessary.

Should you take supplements daily? Yes—if you have a significant nutrient deficiency that cannot be corrected through food alone. However, before rushing to the pharmacy, it’s crucial to determine the root cause of the deficiency.

If your fundamental diet is unbalanced, the effects of supplements will be temporary—they will support you only as long as you take them. If your daily meals lack essential nutrients, stopping supplement intake will quickly lead you back into deficiency. Therefore, the priority should always be a diverse, nutrient-rich diet before considering additional support from supplements.

Here are the main reasons why people develop nutrient deficiencies:

• A nutrient-poor diet, often dominated by refined and ultra-processed foods, empty calories (e.g., alcohol, sugary treats).

• Constant dieting, prolonged calorie restriction, and years of weight loss attempts.

• Poor nutrient absorption (which also affects supplement efficiency!) due to malabsorption, low stomach acid production, gallbladder dysfunction, stress, inflammation, or medication use.

• Reduced nutrient content in food due to soil mineral depletion.

If your diet is already balanced but you still experience some deficiencies, supplements can provide support or a temporary boost. However, if nutrition has not been a priority, relying on supplements alone is not a sustainable long-term solution.

Have you ever wondered if your daily diet provides your body with enough essential nutrients? And do you know which nutrient deficiencies you might have?