In recent decades, Americans have embraced the use of supplements as a part of their health routines. In fact, up to 86% of adults in the United States now take supplements, according to one survey. However, the same survey showed that just 24% of those individuals did so because test results showed a specific deficiency.
While many healthcare providers do prescribe supplements for specific deficiencies and conditions, the medical community generally urges caution and emphasizes evidence-based use, particularly for preventive purposes. Taking too much of a supplement can be harmful. You may also experience “financial toxicity,” which happens when the high cost of supplements takes too big a bite out of your budget each month. To avoid these problems, it’s important to check with medical professionals before implementing supplement usage in your health regimen—perhaps now more than ever.
Can supplements help COVID-19?
Since COVID-19 arose several years ago, many people have been interested in whether supplements could help prevent infection, shorten the duration of illness, or help people recover from persistent symptoms known as “long COVID.” Initially, there was a great deal of speculation about what might help prevent or treat this infection. Now there are several antiviral drugs and other treatments available for adults and children with COVID, along with COVID-19 vaccines.
As far as supplements, there are a few promising research findings. One study of adults over 65 in France found that high doses of vitamin D given early in COVID-19 reduced mortality in the first two weeks of illness. A small study suggests that creatine-glucose supplements may help people recover from long COVID. For now, however, we recommend supporting your general health with any supplements your doctor recommends for ongoing conditions and talking with your doctor about whether you should take any supplements if you don’t currently do so.
How to talk about supplement use
Talking with your medical providers about supplements is a key part of whole person care. Today we can choose from a vast array of dietary supplements, from nutritional powders and gummy vitamins to cannabidiol (CBD) products and herbs derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicine. It is the role of medical providers to educate patients and help us make informed decisions.
The American Pharmacy Association published a list of the top 10 supplements in the U.S. in 2023. The top 5 are:
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
- Fish oil
- CoQ10
- Multivitamins
Pharmacists can be helpful – even at the point of purchase – when learning about supplements, including medication interactions and possible side effects.
Supplements with evidence of benefit
For age-related macular degeneration (“dry” form)
The AREDS formulation of vitamins and minerals.
For bone health and osteoporosis
Calcium and vitamin D. These remain the primary supplements recommended for bone health.
For menopause symptoms
Some herbal supplements, such as black cohosh and red clover, are used for menopausal symptoms. Evidence for their effectiveness is mixed, and they may interact with medications. Consult your healthcare provider before use.
For nutrition after weight loss (bariatric) surgery
Vitamin supplementation, including fat-soluble and B vitamins. Mineral supplementation, including iron, calcium, zinc, and copper.
For celiac, Crohn or another inflammatory bowel disease
B and D vitamins; iron, zinc, and magnesium.
For chronic pain
Avocado-soybean oil, capsaicin, curcumin (in foods), ginger, glucosamine, melatonin, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D. Talk to your health care provider about supplements and pain relief, as this is a rapidly changing area.
For pernicious Anemia
Vitamin B12.
Finding quality supplements
Supplement advertising may be false, and many supplements are not proven to have the effect consumers hope for. To avoid taking something that doesn’t work, is harmful, or is simply ineffective and a waste of money, talk with your medical professional before adding supplements to your routine. Tell all your healthcare providers about all the supplements you take, and make sure they know all your prescription and non-prescription medications, too.
When your doctor does prescribe a supplement for a specific reason, consider the following tips:
- Look for products with the NSF International, USP or Consumer Laboratories seal.
- Check the U.S. Pharmacopoeia information on dietary supplements.
- See the Dietary and Herbal Supplements guide at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
- A subscription to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database may be of value to those who want detailed information and up-to-date evidence on supplements.
To learn more about supplements from a medical provider’s point of view, see the Provider’s Pocket Guide to Supplements.
Updated August 2025
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