Nutritional Supplements

Food supplements are products designed to support individuals in achieving adequate and balanced nutrition, meet their nutrient requirements, and assist in maintaining normal physiological functions. These products are available in forms such as capsules, tablets, lozenges, drops, liquid ampoules, single-use powder packets, and similar formats. Food supplements are also referred to by various terms including nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, or fortified foods.

The primary purpose of food supplements is to support normal nutrition and they do not replace adequate and balanced dietary intake. It is essential that consumers first meet their nutrient needs through food sources.

Legal Regulations

In Türkiye, food supplements are regulated in accordance with European Parliament and Council Directive 2002/46/EC. Since 2013, the “Turkish Food Code Regulation on Fortified Foods” has established production, composition, and labeling standards for these products. According to the regulation, fortified foods may be prepared from concentrated or extracted sources of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, fatty acids, and amino acids, as well as from plant, animal, or bioactive substances. Products are marketed with defined daily intake doses. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry determines the substances permitted for use in fortified foods, their maximum dosages, and prohibited or restricted components. Different limits apply according to user groups (2–4 years, 4–10 years, and 11 years and older).^【1】

Active Ingredients Used in Fortified Foods

Vitamins and Minerals

The main components of fortified foods are vitamins and minerals.

• To be included in products, these substances must provide a specified proportion of the daily nutritional reference values. For children aged 4–10 years, this proportion is half the value established for adults.
• Daily intakes must not exceed the established maximum limits.
• The presence of vitamins and minerals in fortified food form is required for the substance to be designated as an active ingredient.

Botanicals (Plants, Herbs, Fungi, Algae, and Extracts)

• Plants used in fortified foods are evaluated according to the “Plant List” established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
• The list includes the scientific name, Turkish/English name, plant part used (root, stem, leaf, flower, etc.), and authorized usage.
• Natural origin does not imply safety. Some plants may produce beneficial effects in the body while others may cause adverse effects.
• Teas, pastes, or natural herbal forms outside the fortified food format are not covered under this regulation.

Other Nutritive and Physiologically Active Substances

• Active ingredients other than vitamins, minerals, and botanicals are determined by the Fortified Foods Commission through risk assessment.
• These substances are published in the Food Safety Information System as the “List of Restricted Substances”.
• The list specifies the minimum and maximum permitted levels for approved substances and the conditions under which prohibited substances may or may not be used.

Applications and Target Groups

Food supplements may be used when sufficient nutrients cannot be obtained through diet alone.

Babies and Children

• Production and use of fortified foods for infants aged 0–2 years is prohibited. Only products approved by a physician may be used.
• Products formulated for children aged 2–4 and 4–10 years must clearly indicate the appropriate age group on the label.

Adolescence

• This is a period of rapid growth and development, during which energy and nutrient requirements increase.
• Supplement products may be used in cases of inadequate nutrient intake.
• During this stage, when bone mass is developing, adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is essential.
• Iron requirements increase during menstruation and should be monitored.

Pregnant and Lactating Women

• Pregnancy and lactation are periods of increased energy and nutrient requirements.
• National programs provide iron and vitamin D supplementation.
• Specific vitamin supplementation is recommended before conception and during the first trimester.
• Fortified foods during this period must be used exclusively under medical supervision.

Elderly

• Aging may lead to reduced appetite, chewing and swallowing difficulties, which can limit nutrient intake.
• Dermally synthesized vitamin D decreases with age; vitamin B12 deficiency is common.
• Calcium and vitamin D intake should be supported to prevent bone loss.

Vegetarians and Vegans

• Individuals who do not consume animal-based foods may experience deficiencies in vitamin B12, calcium, and iron.
• The bioavailability of certain plant-based sources may be low in vegan diets.
• For pregnant women following vegetarian diets, supplementation with vitamin D and iron should be provided.

Individuals with Chronic Illness or on Medication

• Certain diseases and medications can affect nutrient absorption and metabolism.
• Use of fortified foods should be under medical supervision.
• Concurrent use of multiple products and potential drug interactions must be considered.

Considerations for the Use of Fortified Foods

• Users should select products appropriate to their physiological and health status.
• Daily serving size and duration of use must not exceed the values indicated on the label.
• Consult a healthcare professional if pregnant, lactating, suffering from a chronic illness, or taking medication.
• Fortified foods do not replace normal nutrition.
• Interactions between different products must not be overlooked.

Labeling and Presentation

• The label of fortified foods must include the nutrient or botanical substance characterizing the product, the approval number, the recommended daily serving size, and mandatory warnings.
• Mandatory warnings include: not exceeding the recommended daily serving, storing the product out of reach of children, and stating that the product is not a medicine and cannot replace normal nutrition.

Inspection and Legal Regulations

The production, import, and sale of fortified foods are monitored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Administrative action is taken if misleading claims or non-compliant content are identified. Claims regarding effects on body weight, height growth, sexual performance, or smoking cessation are prohibited. Consumers should rely only on authorized health claims.

Importance and Purpose of Food Supplements

Food supplements provide a safe means of meeting essential nutrient needs when these cannot be obtained through diet alone. Safe and effective use requires careful label reading, appropriate selection based on age and health status, and consultation with a healthcare professional.

Warning: The content provided in this article is intended solely for general encyclopedic information. This information must not be used for diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Before making any decisions regarding health, you must consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional. The author of this article and KÜRE Encyclopedia accept no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of this information for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.