Final answer:
Vitamin supplements are meant to supplement the diet by filling in nutritional gaps, particularly for those with dietary deficiencies or health conditions. They are not a replacement for a nutritious diet and should be used in addition to, not instead of, a balanced diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary purpose of taking vitamin supplements is to fill nutritional gaps in one's diet and ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals for those who may not get enough of these nutrients from food alone. While a healthy, well-balanced diet is always preferable, certain populations, such as individuals with poor diets or specific health conditions, might require supplements to meet their nutritional needs. It is important to remember that supplements should add to, not replace, a nutritious diet, ad that they come with specific considerations regarding potential drawbacks. Consumption of food supplements should be informed by an understanding that they cannot replicate all the beneficial substances found in whole foods and that a varied diet is the best way to meet the body's vitamin and mineral requirements.