The relationship between food and health is complex. By replacing foods with supplements, beneficial food components and important interactions between food components may be lost. It is important to recognize, however, that eating a well-balanced diet is not always feasible. The Dietary Guidelines, 2005, acknowledges that although consumption of a balanced diet is critical, use of dietary supplements is warranted when nutrients are not or can not be consumed in adequate amounts. The recommendations for specific populations are as follows:

1. Individuals over 50: Consumption of Vitamin B12 in fortified foods or as a supplement (2.4 μg/ day from fortified food and/or supplements)
2. Women who may become pregnant: Consumption of iron fortified foods with an enhancer such as vitamin C (27 mg/ day)
3. Women who may become pregnant or are in their first trimester of pregnancy: Consumption of folic acid from fortified foods or supplements (400 μg/ day synthetic folic acid from fortified food and/or supplements)
4. Older individuals and those with dark skin: Consumption of vitamin D in fortified foods or supplements (25 μg/ day from fortified food and/or supplements).