FAQ

Dietary supplements are described as products that look similar to medicinal products (are sold in and outside pharmacies), but are a special  category of foodstuffs.

The effective components of dietary supplements contain vitamins, minerals and other substances. Dietary supplements are to add nutrients to the body which it needs but does not gain them in a sufficient amount in ordinary food, or other substances which according to the food manufacturer have a favourable health effect.

Legal definition

A dietary supplement is a foodstuff the purpose of which is to supplement ordinary food and is a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals, or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect contained in a foodstuff separately or in combination intended for direct consumption in small measured quantities.

Legislation

Ministry of Health Decree No. 225/2008 Coll., laying down requirements on dietary supplements and enrichment of foodstuffs

Act No. 110/1997 Coll., on foodstuffs and tobacco products

Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on nutrition and health claims made on foods.

Placement of dietary supplements on the market

The dietary supplement manufacturer has the obligation to notify, i.e. before placing the product on the market it must notify the Ministry of Agriculture. The notification will contain the text labelling the product with the mandatory information.

Why take dietary supplements?

Research has shown that the ability to use and produce antibodies in an ageing body decreases, while the use of suitable dietary supplements can enrich a diet and supplement the body with the necessary vitamins, minerals and other trace elements. This helps to increase the body’s resistance to negative external effects.