Eating a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits and other foods high in fiber is the best way to maximize your health.

But not everyone can eat a healthy, balanced diet all the time. Supplements are available without a prescription and usually come in pill, powder or liquid form. Common supplements include vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, also known as botanicals. People take these supplements to make sure they get enough essential nutrients, to maintain or improve their health or to fill in the gap in their diet.

Be sure to talk to your health care provider for advice on whether you need a supplement in the first place, the dose, and possible interactions with the medicine you’re already taking.