In this post, I will let you know the difference between vitamins and supplements, All differences you need to know.
The Difference Between Vitamins and Supplements
Vitamins and supplements are both helpful in maintaining health, but they are different. If you take vitamins and supplements, it’s important to know the difference between the two so you can get the right product at the right time.
One major difference between vitamins and supplements is that vitamins are found naturally in foods while supplements are made through chemical processes or manufactured in a lab.
This means that while you should eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to get your daily dose of vitamins, your body might not be able to absorb all of the nutrients in certain supplements.
What are vitamins?
A vitamin is a class of organic compounds (or related sets of compounds) that are essential for life, being present in minute amounts. Thirteen vitamins are universally recognized at present.
They can be divided into two groups: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. Their respective prototypes are B group vitamins and vitamin A.
What are supplements?
In addition to vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients found in food, supplements can also include substances that have not been verified or studied but are claimed to have a health benefit or disease-prevention property.
According to a 2011 National Health Interview Survey conducted by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10% of U.S. adults use at least one supplement on a regular basis.
However, it’s important to note that just because something is available over-the-counter doesn’t mean it’s safe or even effective for everyone.
The Benefits of both
Both vitamins and supplements have distinct benefits to your health. As a general rule, vitamin supplements are most beneficial when you’re not getting enough of them in your diet, while supplements provide a supplement to your diet without taking anything away from it.
For example, vitamins can reduce fatigue when you don’t get enough sunshine during the winter months (vitamin D), or reduce nausea after a night of heavy drinking (vitamin B).
That said if you’re eating regularly over the course of any given day and particularly if you’re eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables that come with their own vitamin supply you might not need to supplement with vitamins at all. The same is true for magnesium, potassium, or other common deficiencies.
Things to Consider Before Buying
When you’re shopping for a vitamin or supplement, you should always look at your options to make sure you’re not spending too much money on a product that might not be right for you.
For example, it may be tempting to buy supplements in bulk because they are cheaper in larger quantities, but they could expire before you use them all. That could mean wasted money (and maybe taking vitamins that don’t do anything for your body).
Always choose products that are clearly labeled with expiration dates so you can ensure they will work as intended until you’ve finished using them. Also, remember that there is no one size fits all option when it comes to vitamins or supplements.
3 differences between Vitamins and Supplements
Here are The 3 important differences between Vitamins and Supplements.
1. Origin
The main difference between vitamins and supplements is that vitamins are naturally occurring in foods while supplements are not naturally occurring in foods.
2. Function
The second difference between vitamins and supplements is that vitamins function as co-enzymes to aid in specific body functions while supplements can be used for a variety of reasons such as weight loss, muscle building, etc…
3. Side Effects
The third difference between vitamins and supplements is that vitamin side effects can be mild (upset stomach) while supplement side effects can be serious (death).
What’s the difference between vitamin C and vitamin D?
In conclusion, vitamins and supplements are both beneficial for your health. However, there are some important differences between them. Vitamins are essential nutrients that your body needs in order to function properly. Supplements, on the other hand, are not essential for your health, but they can help you achieve your fitness goals.