Dietary Supplements
The Ultimate Science-Based Reference for the USA
Explore over 600 scientifically documented dietary supplements. From vitamins to minerals to adaptogens — everything you need to make an informed decision.
What Are Dietary Supplements?
Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the normal diet. They contain nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, or other substances with nutritional or physiological effects in concentrated form.
Why Take Dietary Supplements?
Fill Nutritional Gaps
Even with a balanced diet, nutritional gaps can occur. Supplements help cover daily requirements.
Optimize Performance
Athletes and active individuals often have increased needs for specific nutrients.
Support Health
Targeted supplementation can support the immune system, heart health, and more.
Prevent Deficiencies
Vitamin D deficiency and iron deficiency are common in the US. Supplements can help.
Important: FDA Regulation in the USA
Dietary supplements in the United States are regulated under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. They are classified as a special category of food — not drugs — and cannot claim to cure or treat diseases. The FDA does not approve supplements before they reach the market.
Where to Buy Dietary Supplements in the USA?
There are several ways to purchase high-quality supplements in the United States. Each option has its pros and cons.
Buy Online
Online retailers offer the widest selection and often better prices.
- • Largest product selection
- • Easy price comparison
- • Convenient home delivery
- • Customer reviews available
- • Often lower prices
- • No personal guidance
- • Shipping time (1-3 days)
- • Risk of counterfeits on some sites
Recommended Online Retailers:
- • Amazon.com (wide selection)
- • iHerb.com (specialty supplements)
- • Vitacost.com (value pricing)
- • Thorne.com (premium quality)
Health Food & Retail Stores
Specialty stores like Whole Foods, GNC, or Sprouts.
- • Immediate availability
- • See products before buying
- • In-store expert guidance
- • Trusted brands
- • Smaller selection
- • Often higher prices
- • Travel required
- • Limited store hours
Popular Stores:
- • Whole Foods Market
- • GNC
- • Sprouts Farmers Market
- • Natural Grocers
Pharmacies & Drugstores
Highest quality standards and pharmacist guidance.
- • Pharmacist consultation
- • High-quality brands
- • Tested products
- • Maximum trust
- • Higher prices
- • Smaller selection
- • Fewer specialty products
Pharmacy Options:
- • CVS Pharmacy
- • Walgreens
- • Rite Aid
- • Local independent pharmacies
Criteria for a Trustworthy Supplement
Certifications
USP, NSF International, ConsumerLab, or other quality seals
Transparency
Full ingredient disclosure and country of origin
Customer Reviews
Positive reviews on independent platforms
Third-Party Testing
Independent lab testing by third parties
Popular Types of Dietary Supplements
From vitamins to minerals to specialized extracts — explore all categories of scientifically documented supplements.
Vitamins
Essential vitamins for your health
Minerals
Key minerals and trace elements
Amino Acids
Building blocks for protein and muscle
Fatty Acids
Omega-3, Omega-6, and more
Nootropics
For cognitive performance and focus
Adaptogens
Plants to help manage stress
Probiotics
For a healthy gut microbiome
Plant Extracts
Natural botanical extracts
Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms for health
Antioxidants
Protection against oxidative stress
Enzymes
Digestive enzymes and more
Proteins
Protein powders and collagen
Fibers
For healthy digestion
Other
More valuable supplements
Vitamins
Vitamins are essential micronutrients that the body needs for numerous functions. They support the immune system, energy production, bone health, and much more.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
A, D, E, K — stored in the body
Water-Soluble Vitamins
B-complex, C — need regular replenishment
Most Common Deficiencies
Vitamin D (40% of Americans), B12 (vegans)
Minerals
Minerals and trace elements are inorganic nutrients essential for bones, teeth, muscle contraction, nerve function, and much more.
Macro Minerals
Need > 100mg/day:
Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus
Trace Minerals
Need < 100mg/day:
Iron, Zinc, Selenium, Iodine, Copper, Manganese
Proteins & Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. The body needs 20 different amino acids, 9 of which are essential (must be obtained from food or supplements).
Plant Extracts & Adaptogens
Natural plant extracts with diverse health-promoting properties. Particularly popular are adaptogens — plants that help the body adapt to stress.
Vitamins
(25 supplements)Minerals
(25 supplements)Magnesium Glycinate
⭐Magnesium-Glycinat
Magnesium bis(2-aminoacetate)
Magnesium Citrate
⭐Magnesium-Citrat
Trimagnesium dicitrate
Magnesium Oxide
⭐Magnesiumoxid
Magnesium oxide (MgO)
Magnesium L-Threonate
⭐Magnesium-L-Threonat
Magnesium L-threonate
Magnesium Taurate
⭐Magnesium-Taurat
Magnesium bis(2-aminoethanesulfonate)
Zinc Picolinate
⭐Zink-Picolinat
Zinc bis(pyridine-2-carboxylate)
Amino Acids
(30 supplements)Adaptogens
(59 supplements)Mushrooms
(35 supplements)Reishi Mushroom Extract
Reishi-Pilz-Extrakt
Ganoderma lucidum
Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract
Löwenmähne-Pilz-Extrakt
Hericium erinaceus
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract
Cordyceps Sinensis-Extrakt
Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps Militaris Extract
Cordyceps Militaris-Extrakt
Cordyceps militaris
Chaga Mushroom Extract
Chaga-Pilz-Extrakt
Inonotus obliquus
Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract
Schmetterlingstramete-Extrakt
Trametes versicolor
Plant Extracts
(146 supplements)Turmeric Extract
Kurkuma-Extrakt
Curcuma longa
Curcumin C3 Complex
Curcumin C3 Komplex
Curcuma longa curcuminoids
Ginkgo Biloba Extract
Ginkgo-Biloba-Extrakt
Ginkgo biloba
St. John's Wort Extract
Johanniskraut-Extrakt
Hypericum perforatum
Milk Thistle Extract
Mariendistel-Extrakt
Silybum marianum
Silymarin 80%
Silybum marianum flavonolignans
Proteins
(20 supplements)Whey Protein Isolate
Whey-Protein-Isolat
Lactalbumin isolate
Whey Protein Concentrate
Whey-Protein-Konzentrat
Lactalbumin concentrate
Whey Protein Hydrolysate
Whey-Protein-Hydrolysat
Hydrolyzed lactalbumin
Micellar Casein
Mizellares Casein
Micellar casein protein
Casein Hydrolysate
Casein-Hydrolysat
Hydrolyzed casein
Pea Protein Isolate
Erbsenprotein-Isolat
Pisum sativum protein isolate
Fatty Acids
(25 supplements)Fish Oil
Fischöl
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
EPA (Eicosapentaensäure)
Eicosapentaenoic acid
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
DHA (Docosahexaensäure)
Docosahexaenoic acid
Krill Oil
Krillöl
Euphausia superba oil
Algal Oil
Algenöl
Schizochytrium sp. oil
Flaxseed Oil
Leinöl
Linum usitatissimum oil
Probiotics
(50 supplements)Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus casei
Lacticaseibacillus casei
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lacticaseibacillus paracasei
Enzymes
(25 supplements)Antioxidants
(40 supplements)Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)
Coenzym Q10 (Ubichinon)
2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol)
Coenzym Q10 (Ubichinol)
Reduced form of Coenzyme Q10
Glutathione (Reduced)
Glutathion (reduziert)
L-γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine
Liposomal Glutathione
Liposomales Glutathion
Liposome-encapsulated L-glutathione
S-Acetyl Glutathione
S-Acetyl-Glutathion
S-acetyl-L-glutathione
Resveratrol
3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene
Nootropics
(45 supplements)Fibers
(20 supplements)Benefits of High-Quality Dietary Supplements
Not all supplements are equal. Quality makes the difference.
Controlled Manufacturing
High-quality supplements are manufactured according to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards in certified facilities.
- ✓ Regular quality controls
- ✓ Hygienic production conditions
- ✓ Documented manufacturing processes
Third-Party Certifications
Independent testing by organizations like USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab verifies purity, potency, and label accuracy.
- ✓ USP Verified Mark
- ✓ NSF International Certified
- ✓ ConsumerLab Approved
Bioavailability Matters
The form of a supplement determines how well your body can absorb and use it. Not all forms are created equal.
- ✓ Chelated minerals for better absorption
- ✓ Methylated B vitamins
- ✓ Liposomal formulations
Dietary Supplement Buying Guide
How to choose safe, effective dietary supplements and avoid common pitfalls.
🔍 Step 1: Identify Your Needs
Before buying supplements, clarify what you actually need. A blood test can identify deficiencies that may benefit from supplementation.
Good reasons to supplement:
- • Documented deficiency (blood test)
- • Vegan/vegetarian diet (B12, Iron)
- • Pregnancy & breastfeeding
- • Intense athletic training
- • Limited sun exposure (Vitamin D)
Be cautious of:
- • Miraculous health claims
- • "Proprietary blend" without details
- • Unrealistically low prices
- • No third-party testing
- • Excessive doses
📊 Step 2: Compare Products
Use tools like ConsumerLab, Labdoor, or Examine.com to compare supplements based on ingredients, dosage, and independent lab results.
Check Dosage
Compare with NIH/ODS recommended intakes (DRI)
Form Matters
Choose bioavailable forms (e.g., magnesium glycinate)
Read the Label
Check for unnecessary fillers and allergens
⚕️ Step 3: Consult Your Doctor
Always consult a physician or registered dietitian before starting a new supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.
Remember: Supplements can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone. What works for one person may not work for another.
🇺🇸 The US Dietary Supplement Market
The United States is the world's largest dietary supplement market, valued at over $50 billion annually, with over 75% of Americans taking at least one supplement.
Market Size (2024)
The US supplement industry continues growing at 6-8% annually
Adult Usage Rate
3 out of 4 American adults take at least one dietary supplement daily
Products Available
Over 90,000 different dietary supplement products on the US market
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are dietary supplements regulated in the USA?
Yes, but differently from drugs. Under DSHEA (1994), supplements are regulated as a special category of food. The FDA does not approve supplements before they go to market — manufacturers are responsible for safety. Third-party certifications (USP, NSF) are the best way to verify quality.
2. What supplements does most Americans actually need?
Vitamin D is deficient in up to 40% of Americans, especially in northern states. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and B12 (for vegans/vegetarians) are also commonly insufficient. A blood test is the best way to identify your specific needs.
3. Can supplements replace a healthy diet?
No. Supplements are intended to complement — not replace — a balanced diet. Whole foods provide a complex matrix of nutrients and phytocompounds that cannot be replicated by individual supplements. Use supplements to address specific gaps, not as a substitute for healthy eating.
4. How do I know if a supplement is safe and effective?
Look for third-party certifications from USP, NSF International, or ConsumerLab. Check clinical research on sites like Examine.com or PubMed. Consult your doctor, especially if you take medications, as many supplements can interact with drugs.
5. What is the best time to take supplements?
It depends on the supplement. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) should be taken with meals containing fat. B vitamins are often best taken in the morning. Magnesium is often taken in the evening for its relaxing effects. Iron should not be taken with calcium. Always follow the product label or your doctor's advice.
6. Where can I find reliable supplement information?
Trusted sources include the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ods.od.nih.gov), Examine.com, ConsumerLab.com, and DietarySupplementDB.com. Always cross-reference multiple sources and be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true.
About DietarySupplementDB
DietarySupplementDB is an independent, science-based reference platform covering 600+ dietary supplements for the US market. Our goal is to provide accurate, unbiased information to help Americans make informed decisions about dietary supplementation.
Science-Based
All content references peer-reviewed studies and official guidelines from FDA, NIH, and ODS
Independent
We are not affiliated with supplement manufacturers and are not influenced by advertising
US-Focused
Tailored for the US market with FDA-compliant information and US retailer recommendations
⚠️ All information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.