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supplement

A product taken to add vitamins, minerals, herbs or other substances to the diet.

SUP-luh-ment noun

What it means

Dietary supplements are sold without a prescription and in the US are not checked by the FDA for safety or effect the way drugs are. Some interact with drugs; for example, St. John's wort lowers the effect of many drugs, and ginkgo and fish oil can raise bleeding risk.

For the nurse

Ask every client about vitamins, herbs and other supplements as part of the medication history.

At a glance

Spanishsuplemento
Also writtensupplements, dietary supplement, dietary supplements

Related terms

vitamin

A substance the body needs in small amounts for normal growth and function, mostly from food.

mineral

A natural element, such as calcium, iron or potassium, that the body needs in small amounts.

dietary

Having to do with the food and drink a person takes in.

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