Nutritional supplements
Healthy adults consuming a healthy, varied diet that includes a variety of foods and at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day should be able to get all the nutrients they need from their diet. However, specific supplements may be of benefit for certain population groups, such as pregnant women, older adults and children or if dietary intake is likely to be poor (e.g. for those following restrictive diets or recovering from illness).
Supplements cannot be used, however, to replace a healthy, balanced diet and supplements containing high doses of individual nutrients should generally be avoided. Smokers should avoid beta-carotene supplements and older people who regularly eat liver are advised to avoid taking supplements containing vitamin A (or retinol) of fish liver oils as these contain high levels of this vitamin, because of concerns about a possible adverse effect on bone health.