Food Supplements · Essential Knowledge
Understanding Vitamins and Minerals
What are the main nutrient groups? What does the information on a product label mean? This guide helps you make sense of the details so you can compare food supplements and make more informed choices.
Small Amounts, Essential Roles
What Are Micronutrients?
Vitamins and minerals are known as micronutrients. Your body needs them in smaller quantities than nutrients such as protein, fat and carbohydrates.
They contribute to many functions in the body. A varied diet provides the foundation for an adequate supply.
The term “vital nutrients” is often used as a general description. When comparing products, however, the specific ingredients and their quantities are what matter.
Understanding the Differences
Vitamins, Minerals and Trace Elements.
Trace elements are a type of mineral. The distinction refers to the comparatively small amounts the body requires.
Nutrient Group 01
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds with a range of functions. They are classified as either water-soluble or fat-soluble.
Examples:
Vitamin C, B vitamins, and vitamins A, D, E and K.
Nutrient Group 02
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic nutrients. Those needed in larger quantities are also known as major minerals.
Examples:
Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and chloride.
Nutrient Group 03
Trace Elements
The body needs these minerals in comparatively small quantities. That does not make them any less important for nutritional intake.
Examples:
Iron, zinc, selenium, iodine and copper.
Taking Stock of Your Intake
When Is It Worth Looking More Closely?
Your diet and circumstances can influence which nutrients deserve particular attention. Targeted supplementation may be useful or necessary in certain situations.
Stress or older age alone do not tell you whether you need a supplement. What matters is your intake of the particular nutrient.
For healthy people eating a balanced diet, routine supplementation is generally unnecessary.
Your Practical Guide
Four Details Worth Comparing.
The product name is a starting point. More precise information is found in the ingredients list, the nutrient information and the suggested daily intake.
Which Substances Does It Contain?
Distinguish vitamins and minerals from other ingredients such as plant extracts, dietary fibre or amino acids. These are not all the same type of substance.
What Serving Do the Amounts Refer To?
Compare the figures per recommended daily serving. One capsule may contain a different amount from the full daily serving. Check whether quantities are given in mg or µg.
What Does the Percentage Mean?
“% NRV” indicates the percentage of the Nutrient Reference Value for adults used on food labels. It is not a personalised dosage recommendation or evidence of your individual requirements.
What Are You Already Taking?
Check for overlapping ingredients in other food supplements. Also consider allergens, directions for use and possible interactions with medicines.
More Is Not Necessarily Better.
Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. High intakes of individual nutrients and poorly considered combinations can have unwanted effects. If you are unsure, seek professional advice about your choice.
Explore Further
Which Product Details Would You Like to Compare?
The following pages explain different product formulations. They are not general recommendations to take these products.
Mineral Supplements
Compare Mineral plus
Learn about the powder and tablet versions, their ingredients and the respective suggested daily intakes.
Combination Formula
Discover DS7
Get an overview of its different ingredients and check the information for the recommended daily serving.
Another Nutrient Group
Understand Omega3
Omega-3 fatty acids are neither vitamins nor minerals. The product page explains its algae oil formulation and the quantities provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Nutrient Information.
Are Trace Elements Different from Minerals?
Trace elements are a subgroup of minerals. The body requires them in comparatively small quantities. Examples include iron, zinc and selenium.
Does 100% NRV Mean My Personal Requirements Are Met?
The NRV is a reference value used for food labelling. It does not account for your individual circumstances, the rest of your diet or how much of a nutrient your body actually absorbs.
Is a Product with More Ingredients Always Better?
The number of ingredients alone does not tell you whether a product is suitable for you. What matters is which substances it contains, their amounts and your reason for supplementing.
Can Supplements Make Up for an Unbalanced Diet?
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet. Start by improving your usual eating habits and consider targeted supplementation for individual nutrients where appropriate.
Background information (sources in German): DGE: Frequently Asked Questions About Food Supplements · DGE: Reference Values for Nutrient Intake
Personal Advice from Regine
A Question About a Déesse Product?
Would you like to compare ingredients, product formats or directions for use? Regine can help with your questions about Déesse products.
Whether supplementation is medically necessary or suitable if you have a health condition or take medication should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Ask a Question or Place a Specific Order
When getting in touch, please mention the product name or article number. If you already know which product you want, you can send a direct order enquiry.
Explore More Essential Knowledge
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
