So which particular nutritional supplements should you take? And do you truly need to take them at all?

First of all, it's important to note the word supplement in the phrase. The reason to take vitamins and herbs is to support and add to an existing healthy and complete diet or food plan. They are not intended to be taken in lieu of actual food and drink. That is a dangerous mindset.

For example, let's suppose you are trying to lose weight and get in shape. Should you stop eating, and just drink water and take nutritional supplements, and hope to see the pounds shed off of your body like crazy? No. First of all, this will not work. You may lose a few pounds but they will come back with a vengeance as soon as you eat anything.

Starving is not a way to lose weight. If you starve your body, you are training it to hold onto any fat (and simple carbs which easily convert to fat) that you eat. If you choose a nutritional supplement, it needs to in fact be a supplement.

As far as which specific vitamins, herbs and so on that you should take, that is going to depend on whether you have any deficiencies in your body. Your doctor can run tests to determine this.

For example, if you are having trouble with your joints, your doctor may recommend that you run to the local store and pick up some over the counter supplements. These could include Calcium and Vitamin D to support the strength of your bones and other hard tissues, and Glucosamine Chondroitin and Gelatin to help rebuild cartilage and soft tissue. This is just an example.

Let's suppose that you don't like to eat foods rich in potassium (like potatoes and bananas); a potassium nutritional supplement could help you deal with a potassium deficiency. Or let's say you don't get enough orange juice or citrus fruits (or other foods rich in Vitamin C); a Vitamin C nutritional supplement could help you keep your Vitamin C levels up.

If you need immune system support, foods rich in essential fatty acids (not to be confused with Trans fatty acids, which are the polar opposite) are good to eat. These include fresh leafy green vegetables (spinach, greens, kale, and so on), fresh fish, flax seed and olive oil. As a supplement you can take an Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9 complex.

No matter what you choose to take, be sure that you know why you are taking it. Don't just arbitrarily spend your money on supplements. And be sure to consult your doctor to find out what nutritional supplements he or she might recommend based on your medical history and present physical condition.