Final answer:
Vitamins and minerals are critical to a healthy diet and should primarily be obtained from food, but supplementation can be beneficial for some individuals, like those with specific dietary needs or poor diets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the role of vitamins and minerals in maintaining a healthy diet and whether they should be supplemented. It is recommended to follow the Dietary Guidelines and consume a balanced diet primarily. While some public health officials suggest taking a multivitamin, this should be within the recommendations and not replace a healthy diet. Certain groups of people such as those with poor diets or specific dietary requirements might benefit from additional supplementation, such as an increased intake of folate. Vitamin D, for example, can be obtained from food and supplements and is essential for various body functions.
Supplements are not a substitute for food, as they are intended to be an addition to, not a replacement for, the nutrients we receive from a whole foods diet. The best way to get essential nutrients is by eating diverse foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Still, if needed, supplementation can help meet the daily requirements that might not be met through diet alone, such as those of vitamin D or folate.