Nutritional supplements replace vitamins we lose in normal metabolic function or are missing from our diet. Our bodies are dependent on a number of essential vitamins for a variety of biological processes, such as a healthy immune system, proper metabolic function, and regeneration of cells. Among the essential vitamins are A, C, D, E, K, and the Vitamin B family, which includes thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folate, pyridoxine (B-6), and cyanocobalamin (B-12).

There are other essential nutrients that the body requires that can be deficient due to several reasons, hence the reason for dietary supplements. For example, water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body, and must be replenished regularly. These vitamins include the B complex group and vitamin C. Also, these vitamins are easily destroyed or converted to less useful complexes during food preparation or storage. Another group of vitamins that can be difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities are fat-soluble vitamins, which include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Mineral compounds, such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and calcium also fall in this latter category.

Herbal supplements are a rapidly growing field of nutritional research. Many plants produce antioxidants that can slow the day-to-day damage inflicted by our environment. Active ingredients in traditional remedies, such as ginseng and echinacea, also show promise in alleviating illness and increasing overall health.

Dionex has developed a wide range of applications for analyzing ingredients in vitamin and herbal dietary supplements.