Vitamins vs Supplements: Know The Difference

We’re all trying to keep ourselves as healthy as possible and there is no doubt that nutrition is an important part of that process. Our bodies need a variety of nutrients in the right amounts in order to function optimally. However, it’s also not a secret that even the healthiest of diets can have some nutrition gaps, which is why so many people turn to dietary supplements for assistance. Deciding which type of dietary supplement to buy isn’t always easy, though. The world of dietary supplements can be hard to navigate, particularly when it comes to terminology. 

For example, one area of confusion is whether or not there is a difference between “vitamins” and “supplements.” While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Let us explain. 

What Are Supplements?

Supplements are a product that comes in tablet, powder, or liquid form and are intended to help add nutritional value to your meals or overall health. Supplements contain not only nutrients like vitamins and minerals but also other additional elements like antioxidants which boost your body’s performance. They can be taken either for whole-body benefits or for a targeted health need. For example, some products that contain essential fatty acids are specifically targeted for supporting brain health while products designed to promote healthy aging may contain key antioxidants.  

In addition, there are different types of supplements: there are botanical or herbal supplements like ginger or echinacea, and there are specialty supplements, such as Omega 3 or CoQ10 for heart health, or fiber, enzymes, and probiotics for digestive health. You can find sports and weight management supplements that contain protein, carbohydrates, caffeine, amino acids, or electrolytes, which can all provide support during your fitness journey. There is no end to the different supplements you can find! 

What Are Vitamins?

Vitamins, on the other hand, are essential nutrients that your body needs for various functions. They are naturally occurring in whole foods like fruits and vegetables, and your body isn’t able to produce them on its own.  

There are 13 types of vitamins that your body needs, especially as you get older. There are fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamins A, D, E, and K, that can dissolve in fats and oils, which your body needs minimal amounts of because they can be stored in places like your liver and fatty cells for later use. 

Water soluble vitamins, on the other hand, are used by the body instantly and cannot be stored for later use. This is because they dissolve in water once ingested in the body. There are nine types of water-soluble vitamins including all eight B complex vitamins as well as Vitamin C. 

While vitamins by themselves are defined as a nutrient, they can also be a feature found in supplements. Vitamin-rich supplements are often used by people to complement their nutrient intake when they may not be getting the right amounts of various vitamins from their diet.

The Difference Between Vitamins and Supplements

Since many supplements contain important vitamins, it’s no surprise that the terms are often used interchangeably. In order to understand the difference and be as informed as possible when you purchase a dietary supplement for yourself, here’s a quick breakdown of the similarities and differences between the two. 

The Similarities

  • Both can be purchased without a prescription. You can get supplements of almost any kind at most grocery or health stores without a prescription from a doctor. However, it is often worth spending the time to discuss your options with your doctor before taking a new supplement as they can provide you with proper guidance on the specific needs of your body.
  • They are available in liquid, powder, or tablet form. Vitamin-rich supplements as well as other types of targeted supplements can be found in a variety of forms, giving you the ability to choose one that works best for your preferences and lifestyle.  

The Differences

  • Everyone needs vitamins but not everyone needs supplements. Vitamins are essential for bodily functions like the brain, heart, digestive tract, muscle, bones, liver, and much more, so there is no doubt that your body needs them either from your diet or supplement routine. However, supplements, while helpful for certain things like memory and comfortable digestion, are not a mandatory part of a healthy lifestyle. Rather, they can be taken as needed to complement your diet and help you achieve your desired results.  
  • Vitamins are natural-occurring in the body while supplements are either natural or synthetic. As essential nutrients, vitamins are naturally occurring in a wide variety of foods and can be absorbed by your body upon consumption. Meanwhile, supplements aren’t necessarily created by nature. They are produced by companies who get to choose what ingredients are included. Because of this, supplements can be derived either from synthetic or man-made ingredients or created from natural, whole foods. 

Choose New Earth for Your Supplement Needs

If you’re looking for high-quality, natural supplements that can support your health and wellness goals, look no further than New Earth’s line of whole-food supplements. Made with ancient superfood ingredients like AFA and medicinal mushrooms, these supplements are a powerful way to nourish your body and boost your vitality. The best part is you can put them to the test risk-free with our 90-day money-back guarantee. 

At New Earth we are on a mission to positively impact the health of every body and soul we come in contact with. We specialize in producing third-party certified, organic whole food supplements including a variety of probiotics, and digestive support. Our supplements feature a rare, yet highly nutritious superfood, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA). Also known as organic Wild Microalgae®, AFA is a unique type of microalgae that is available in many forms including tablets, capsules, and powders all designed to help you on your journey to holistic wellness. The best part? We offer a 90-day money-back risk-free guarantee on all of our products. Visit our website to learn more.