What are food supplements?
Food supplements are legally foods that complement the normal diet. They contain concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect and are sold in dosed forms such as capsules. They are not medicines.
Food supplements explained
Under EU Directive 2002/46/EC, food supplements are foods intended to supplement the normal diet. They consist of concentrated sources of nutrients (vitamins, minerals) or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect (such as plant compounds or fatty acids). Typical is the dosed form: capsules, tablets, powder in sachets, drops.
The name is the point: they supplement; they replace neither a varied diet nor medication. That is why it is printed on the pack.
Food supplements and medicines compared
Simplified comparison of legal classification in the EU/Germany.
| Feature | Food supplement | Medicine |
|---|---|---|
| Feature Legal status | Food supplement food | Medicine medicinal product |
| Feature Purpose | Food supplement supplement the diet | Medicine treat, relieve or prevent disease |
| Feature Before sale | Food supplement no authorisation; notification to authorities | Medicine marketing authorisation required |
| Feature Disease-related claims | Food supplement prohibited | Medicine permitted, assessed |
What applies to manufacturers?
Manufacturers are responsible for safety and labelling themselves. In Germany, a food supplement must be notified to the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) before first being placed on the market. Health claims are only allowed under the EU Health Claims Regulation if authorised; disease-related claims (“helps with …”, “relieves …”) are prohibited. Mandatory statements include the recommended daily amount, a warning not to exceed it, a note that supplements are no substitute for a balanced diet, and a note to keep them out of reach of small children. These are the sentences you also find under our articles.
What to look at for quality
Because there is no authorisation check like for medicines, a closer look pays off. For curcumin products, our articles name for example: stated curcuminoid content, a transparent technology for absorption and a lab certificate for contaminant testing. A certificate of analysis documents what is actually in a batch, and standardised extracts contain a defined amount of active compound.
Even “natural” food supplements can interact with medication, for example with blood thinners. If you take long-term medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use. More under drug interactions. This text is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions about food supplements
Do I need food supplements? With a balanced diet usually not. They can make sense with a proven deficiency or in particular life situations, for example on medical advice. Have a deficiency checked in the blood rather than guessing.
Are food supplements tested? There is no authorisation check as for medicines, but there are labelling rules, notification duties and food control. Certificates of analysis document the quality of individual batches.
May they treat diseases? No. Manufacturers may promise neither cure nor relief. If you have complaints, they belong with your doctor.
Can you take too much? Yes. The recommended daily amount should not be exceeded, and several products containing the same substances can add up.
