While many people use supplements as the antidote to a poor diet, they may not be necessary. If you are thinking of adding one to your routine, asking yourself a few questions can help you make the right choice. 

1. Are You At Risk for Vitamin Deficiency?

Ideally, everyone would get the nutrients they need from a varied and balanced diet. Reality is rarely ideal, however, and many people rely on vitamin-deficient ultra-processed foods for the majority of their diet. This can lead to deficiencies in certain key nutrients. If your food intake is seriously lacking in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, it is definitely worth looking into topics such as chlorella benefits and seeing if that is a dietary change you should make. 

Another major risk factor for vitamin deficiency is a diet that restricts entire food groups or major ingredients, such as animal products or gluten. Someone with a very restricted diet — whether for medical reasons or as a lifestyle choice — may not get a well-rounded profile of nutrients. In this case, supplementation can be a literal lifesaver. 

2. Do You Have A Chronic Health Condition?

Certain chronic health conditions can affect your vitamin and nutrient levels. Others may require nutritional support to counter symptoms. Since you are already working with your healthcare provider about your health condition, ask if you should be using any supplements, or if there are any that might be helpful in your treatment plan. Keep in mind that you should always talk to your doctor before adding any new medications — even an over-the-counter supplement — if you are currently taking any medications to avoid an adverse reaction. 

3. Are You In a High-Risk Health Category?

Certain lifestyle factors or health conditions can contribute to nutrient deficiency. In some cases, the medicines you take may interfere with how your body is able to absorb or use a vitamin. In other cases, a health history — with your own or your family's — may indicate the need for extra precautions. There are also age considerations since your body's ability to process foods changes as you grow older. 

Here are a few of the most common red flags that might suggest you need to add a dietary supplement to your daily routine:

• You are anemic or have unnaturally low iron levels

• You have a history of heart disease or have elevated levels in your blood lipid panel

• You are over the age of 50

• You are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or nursing

• You are currently taking certain medications that can interfere with vitamin absorption

• You have been diagnosed with a malabsorption condition

• You routinely have more than two alcoholic drinks a day

4. Has Your Doctor Suggested Supplementation?

Gone are the days where every doctor recommended a daily multi-vitamin for every patient. In most cases, it simply isn't necessary. In some, it can be downright dangerous. However, there are all sorts of reasons a doctor may suggest a daily supplement. It is often due to test results or to counter a physical symptom, such as joint pain. 

5. Do You Understand the Risks of Too Many Vitamins?

While many vitamins are completely harmless in large doses, some can be downright dangerous. And while it is easy to assume those would be clearly labeled or sold individually, that isn't always the case, In fact, fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A, can be incredibly dangerous in doses common in many popular supplements. Others, such as iron, may interfere with digestion and most people are familiar with the downfall of taking too much fiber at once. Be sure to learn about the dangers of vitamin toxicity before you add any supplements to your pill keeper.

Dietary supplements can help counter a poor diet or poor nutrient absorption, as well as support health if you have a chronic medical condition. Before adding one to your daily routine, be sure you understand your current nutrient levels, your risk factors for deficiency, and the potential risks of taking too much of certain vitamins.