Dietary supplements refer to substances that are intended to provide nutrients, vitamins or minerals to a person's diet. These products can include pills, capsules, powders and liquids, and they are meant to help people meet their recommended daily intake of essential nutrients through food alone. Dietary supplements can be used for various reasons such as preventing or treating certain health conditions, supporting overall health and wellness, or helping with weight management. They should not be considered a substitute for a balanced diet but rather an additional source of important nutrients that may be missing from one's daily intake.