Nutrilords Guide

Dietary Supplements

Essential information to understand their role, benefits, limits and safe use.

01

How to define supplements?

Dietary supplements are nutrients designed to supplement a normal diet. They are not intended to replace food, including fortified foods.

They are intended for people in good health and are not medicines. They have no therapeutic action and cannot replace medical treatment.

02

What does a dietary supplement contain?

A dietary supplement is a concentrated source of nutrients, plants, or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect.

Their manufacture is regulated at national and European levels. They may include:

  • Vitamins and minerals
  • Substances with nutritional or physiological purposes
  • Plants and plant-based preparations
  • Traditional ingredients used in human nutrition
  • Authorized additives and flavorings
03

Precautions for use

Dietary supplements are not harmless products. Dosage, instructions, cumulative intake and interactions must be carefully respected.

  • Respect daily dosage guidelines
  • Avoid combining multiple supplements without guidance
  • Seek advice if pregnant, breastfeeding, underage, or under treatment
04

Potential adverse effects

The Nutrivigilance system (ANSES) monitors adverse reactions to improve safety.

Some supplements may cause serious effects, particularly cardiovascular or psychological.

  • Consult a healthcare professional
  • Respect conditions of use
  • Avoid “miracle” products
  • Choose controlled distribution channels
05

Are supplements useful?

Supplements can help cover nutritional needs modern diets may not fully provide.

Before taking them, ask yourself: “Do I really need it?”

A professional can help identify deficiencies and their causes.

06

Sport & supplements

Physical activity increases nutritional needs. Supplements can support performance and recovery.

  • Mental performance
  • Muscle recovery
  • Endurance
  • Fatigue management
  • Sleep quality
07

Age & supplementation

Supplementation depends on nutritional needs, not age.

  • Vitamin B12 (vegan diets)
  • Iron (women)
  • Folate (pregnancy)
  • Vitamin D (bones)
  • Vitamin C (collagen)
08

Dosage matters

Excess intake can lead to dangerous overdoses. Always respect recommended dosages.

  • Iron: 9–35 mg
  • Zinc: 8–11 mg
  • Copper: 1.5–3 mg
  • Vitamin D: 400–2000 IU