United States Department of Agriculture MyPyramid.gov
Illustration of 6 food groups amp; physical activity
 Home  About Us  News & Media  Site Help  Online Ordering  Contact Us  In Spanish
Search MyPyramid
Subjects
   MyPyramid Menu Planner
MyPyramid Tracker
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
MyPyramid Plan for Moms
Pregnancy — Nutritional Needs
Pregnancy — Weight Gain
Breastfeeding — Nutritional Needs
Breastfeeding — Weight Loss
Dietary Supplements
Food Safety
Special Health Needs
More Information
   MyPyramidSteps to a Healthier WeightInside The Pyramid
Tips & Resources
kids
Professionals
Dietary Guidelines
Related Links

 You are here: Home / MyPyramid for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding / Dietary Supplements
MyPyramid for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding


Dietary Supplements: What is a "dietary supplement"?
Divider

SupplementsA dietary supplement is any product that contains a “dietary ingredient” intended to add to the diet. These ingredients may be any of the following substances

  • a vitamin
  • a mineral
  • an herb or other botanical
  • an amino acid
  • a substance such as an enzyme

FDA considers dietary supplements to be foods instead of drugs. Each must be labeled as a dietary supplement and have a “Supplement Facts” label. Doctors may prescribe prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements. When a supplement is ordered by prescription, it is regulated as drugs, not foods.

Divider

Learn more:

  Dietary supplements
  Why take a prenatal supplement?
  What about fortified foods?
  For more information

Divider

Graphic for printable page

 USDA.gov | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Non-Discrimination Statement | Information Quality | USA.gov | White House