What it means
Giving extra nutrients when diet alone is not enough. Examples are folic acid before and during pregnancy, iron for anemia, vitamin D and calcium for bone health, vitamin B12 for people who cannot absorb it, and oral nutrition drinks for clients who are not eating enough.
For the nurse
Ask about every supplement the client takes, since some interact with drugs (for example, calcium and iron reduce the absorption of some antibiotics and levothyroxine). Teach the correct timing.
Related terms
vitamin
A substance the body needs in small amounts for normal growth and function, mostly from food.
vitamin E
A fat-soluble vitamin that protects cells from damage, found in nuts, seeds, plant oils and green leafy vegetables.
replacement therapy
Treatment that gives the body a substance it is missing or not making enough of.
omega-3 fatty acid
A kind of healthy unsaturated fat found in oily fish, flaxseed, walnuts and some plant oils.