Dietary supplements (also called food supplements; German translation: Nahrungsergänzungsmittel) are categorized as foods for general consumption. However, they are taken as capsules or effervescent tablets, for example, and in much smaller quantities than food in the narrower sense. As you can read on the homepage of the German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety, food supplements contain "vitamins, minerals or other nutrients that are intended to have a nutritional or physiological effect in concentrated form. They may supplement the normal diet but may not have a pharmacological effect." Dietary supplements can also contain amino acids (German: Aminosäuren) and herbal extracts to supplement a person’s diet and contribute to physical well-being.

Important aspects of dietary supplements:

• Supplementing the diet: Dietary supplements are used to supplement a person’s diet, especially if their diet does not contain sufficient amounts of certain nutrients.
• Ingredients: Dietary supplements contain a variety of ingredients that can have a positive effect on the body, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.
• Health and well-being: Food supplements can be used specifically to support certain aspects of health, e.g. to strengthen the immune system (German translation: Immunsystem), as an energy boost, etc.
• Not drugs: It is important to realize that food supplements are not drugs and are not intended for the treatment, diagnosis or prevention of diseases. They can support general well-being and the optimal functioning of the body, but are no substitute for medication in the event of illness.
• Dosage and safety: It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the packaging of food supplements, as large amounts of certain vitamins and minerals can also be harmful to your health.
• Regulations: In many countries there are regulations and standards for the manufacture and sale of dietary supplements. In Germany, this is the Ordinance on Dietary Supplements (NemV). Food supplements must fulfill certain quality and safety standards.

Before you start taking supplements, you should consult a doctor or other qualified professional, to ensure that the supplements are suitable for you, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking other medication.

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