It’s also a question that has as many questions as it does answers, at the moment we know that the absorption of nutrients from food is typically better than that from an over the counter supplement. However in many instances we don’t know exactly why this is. It’s commonly known that when we eat foods we eat many nutrients, we don’t eat anything in isolation and when we eat this variety we support the absorption of many nutrients.
It’s also important to note that unless you have a diagnosed nutrient deficiency, taking a supplement is unlikely to help you, more does not equal better. You’ll excrete any vitamins you can’t store (water soluble) or of more concern you’ll store excess vitamins (fat soluble), which in extreme cases can lead to toxicity. That’s why it’s important to discuss your supplement with a health professional.