The shelves in supermarkets and pharmacies are full of vitamin supplements. However, not all of them are necessary.  

Around a third of adults in the United States use a dietary supplement every day. A quarter of them takes more than one preparation every day.

Dietary supplements are considered food and not medication; in contrast to pharmaceuticals, they do not have to go through an approval process but only have to be registered with the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety. In addition, dietary supplements are not designed to cure disease or relieve symptoms. 

If we eat a balanced and varied diet, we are supplied with vitamins. However, studies found a poorer supply of certain vitamins is needed for certain age groups. 

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is very important as a radical catcher for the immune system and defense against infection. Adults who eat a balanced and healthy diet are usually not deficient in vitamins. 

In children and the elderly, however, nutritional deficiency symptoms can occur. An addition can be useful for older people, but I don't think so with children. 

To prevent a vitamin C deficiency, you can integrate these foods into your diet: citrus fruits, strawberries, gooseberries, black currants, sea buckthorn, fennel, cabbage, kiwi, red peppers, broccoli, parsley. 

B Vitamins 

Vitamin B2 is important for the nervous system, but it can be easily absorbed through food. Usually, most people are not deficient. The vitamin is contained in milk, yogurt, cheese, almonds, mushrooms, chicken eggs, and lentils. 

B 12 For Vegetarians and Vegans 

A deficiency in vitamin B12, which occurs almost exclusively in animal foods such as meat or fatty fish, is more common. This can lead to deficiencies, especially with a vegan diet. If there is a deficiency, you can add it artificially, but anyone who eats meat or fish once a week has a normal B12 level.