Dietary Supplements

Don’t rely on supplements to make up for an unhealthy diet. Vitamin and mineral supplements cannot replace a healthy diet. Click here to find the MyPyramid Plan that is right for you. Follow its advice for amounts to eat from each food group.

Talk with your health care provider about a vitamin and mineral supplement.

For pregnant women:
Most doctors recommend that pregnant women take a vitamin and mineral supplement every day, in addition to eating a healthy diet. Doctors often recommend this for those trying to get pregnant, as well. Supplements designed for pregnant women are called “prenatal supplements.”

For breastfeeding women:
Your nutrient needs also increase when you are breastfeeding. To meet these needs, some breastfeeding women may also need a vitamin and mineral supplement. Talk with your health care provider about taking a supplement while you are breastfeeding.

Learn more:

 What is a "dietary supplement"?
 Why take a prenatal supplement?
 What about fortified foods?
 For more information

Last Modified: March 12, 2009 04:05 PM