Increasingly, individuals are turning to dietary supplements – vitamins, minerals, and other substances – alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle, often for preventative health measures. A robust marketing industry promotes these products with appealing packaging and ambitious promises. However, health professionals caution that supplements are not medications and do not possess miraculous healing properties as some advertising suggests. Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing supplements, carefully reviewing labels and ingredient lists. The lack of regulation in the supplement industry means quality and efficacy can vary significantly. It’s crucial to understand supplements are intended to *supplement* a diet, not replace it or cure illness. Informed purchasing decisions are essential to avoid misleading claims and potential health risks.