Two ways drugs and supplements are similar:
- Both can be consumed orally and are used for health-related purposes, aiming to improve or support the body's condition or function.
- Some substances can be found in both categories, such as certain vitamins and minerals (e.g., Vitamin D3, folic acid), where the same molecule may appear as either a drug or a supplement, depending on dosage or formulation.
Two ways drugs and supplements are different:
- Regulation and Safety: Drugs undergo rigorous FDA testing for safety, efficacy, and quality before reaching consumers, including clinical trials and ingredient verification. Supplements are regulated more like food, with no pre-market approval and less strict oversight, and they are generally considered safe unless proven otherwise.
- Purpose and Use: Drugs are formulated to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases and often require prescriptions for use. Supplements primarily serve to complement the diet by providing nutrients and are not intended to treat or cure diseases; they are available over the counter without prescriptions.
This comparison highlights that while drugs and supplements share some common ground in usage and composition, their regulatory status, intended use, and safety requirements set them distinctly apart.
