Health products, or health foods, are foods with specific health functions or for the supplementing vitamins and minerals. They are suitable for specific groups of people to eat and can regulate body functions, but they are not intended to treat diseases and do not cause acute, subacute or chronic harm to the human body. Medicines are used to prevent, treat, and diagnose human diseases. They have clear indications or indication functionals, usage and dosage requirements, and their main function is to cure diseases and save lives. For example, vitamin C tablets, as health products, are suitable for people who do not consume enough vitamin C in their daily diet to supplement nutrition; when diseases such as scurvy are caused by a lack of vitamin C, they need to be used according to drug specifications and doctor's orders.

People with unbalanced diets: People who are often picky eaters, partial eaters, or people who cannot ensure nutritional intake due to busy work may lack vitamins, minerals, etc., and health products can assist in supplementing them. ​
Pregnant and lactating women: They have increased nutritional needs. For example, folic acid can reduce the risk of abnormal neural tube closure in the fetus, and iron can prevent anemia during pregnancy. Reasonable supplementation of health products during pregnancy and lactation can optimize the health of mothers and babies. ​
Old people: Their body functions decline, their digestion and absorption abilities weaken, and they are prone to lack of protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, etc. Appropriate use of health products can delay aging and maintain health. ​
People with specific diseases: For example, patients with diabetes can choose mineral supplements containing chromium, magnesium, etc. that help regulate blood sugar; patients with hypertension can supplement health products rich in potassium and magnesium. However, people with renal insufficiency need to avoid high doses of vitamin C, and patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3 or above should strictly control the dosage of protein powder supplements, and must be carried out under professional guidance.​
Vegetarians: Due to dietary restrictions, they are prone to lack of nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron. They can avoid malnutrition with the help of health products specifically designed for vegetarians. ​
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts: To support high-intensity training and muscle recovery, they can choose health products such as protein powder, creatine, branched-chain amino acids, and fish oil as needed. ​
People with long-term mental stress: This group of people is prone to endocrine disorders and decreased immunity. They can regulate endocrine, enhance immunity, and relieve fatigue and anxiety by taking health products such as vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acids, plant extracts, and probiotics.

Before choosing health products, first clarify your own health needs. People of different ages, genders, and health conditions have different needs. For example, the elderly are concerned about bone and cardiovascular health, while young people may be more concerned about enhancing immunity and improving sleep. You can also consult doctors, nutritionists and other professionals, especially those with chronic diseases or taking medications, to ensure that the selected health products are suitable for your physical condition. At the same time, check the product label to understand the ingredients, efficacy, suitable groups, unsuitable groups, consumption methods, shelf life and other information, and choose regular channels to purchase to ensure product quality.

In most cases, it is generally safe to take health supplements according to the prescribed dosage and for the appropriate population. However, if taken in excess, in an improper manner, or if the health supplement itself is not suitable, side effects may occur. For example, taking too much vitamin C may lead to vitamin C dependence, which can easily lead to vitamin C deficiency in the body after stopping taking it; people who are allergic to seafood may have allergic reactions when consuming krill oil. In addition, some substandard products may have problems such as excessive heavy metals, which are harmful to health. Therefore, it is crucial to choose regular products and take them reasonably.