WHAT DOES "SUPPLEMENT" MEAN?

The word "supplement" means something that is added to complete or enhance something else. It comes from the Latin word "supplementum", meaning “that which fills up or makes up for a lack.”

In health and nutrition:

A dietary supplement is a product you take to add nutrients to your diet — like vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, or enzymes — usually in pill, capsule, powder, or liquid form.

Examples:

• Taking vitamin C in winter to support your immune system.
• Using a protein powder if you're not getting enough from food.
• Taking an iron supplement if you have low iron levels.

So, in short:

A supplement is something extra you take to help fill a gap.