Approximately 40 percent of Americans use vitamin or mineral supplements, according to an article published on the IDEA Health & Fitness Association website. Not everyone realizes, however, that when you take your supplements may make a difference, at least for some people.

Super B-complex, a multiple B vitamin supplement produced by Nature Made, contains all eight of this group of vitamins. Vitamin B-1, or thiamine, makes up the largest portion of the supplement, providing 6,667 percent of the recommended daily dose.

Folate and folic acid are the same thing, according to the National Women's Health Information Center. Folic acid is a manmade supplement, while folate occurs naturally in some foods. Folate is part of the B vitamin complex, and is a particularly important part of the diet for pregnant women.

Everyone has different daily protein needs, which can vary based on factors like age, weight, sex and physical activity level. As such, it can be difficult to know how much whey isolate to use, even though most brands include a plastic scoop and suggested serving size.

Vitamin B complex is actually a group of vitamins that include eight B vitamins. These B vitamins can be found in animal and plant sources, as well as in supplement form. They play a variety of roles in the body and provide numerous benefits. Taking too much of any vitamin can be dangerous and cause side effects.

Collagen supplements, collagen vitamins, collagen peptides and collagen powders have had a strong rise within the wellness industry. What is collagen? What are collagen's side effects? And is it good for your skin? Find out below.

The body needs iron for the production of hemoglobin -- the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Without sufficient iron intake, the level of hemoglobin drops, leading to a decrease in the number of functioning red blood cells and a condition known as iron-deficiency anemia.

Iron supplements are generally safe for consumption, but may have unpleasant side effects. Iron tablets invariably affect stools. Some level of color change in the stool is normal, but there are certain variations in feces that are cause for alarm.

Zinc is one of the trace minerals that your body requires to maintain optimal health. Even though zinc is an abundant mineral, you can suffer from a zinc deficiency. If you have a zinc deficiency, doctors will typically recommend zinc supplements that support absorption by your body.

Fish oil is the primary source of two omega-3 fatty acids -- eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA -- which prevent inflammation and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

B-complex vitamins are nutrients that help your body convert calories into energy. They are also important for vision, normal appetite, and healthy skin, hair and nails. In addition, they play a role in the formation of red blood cells and the functioning of the nervous system.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning that your body only requires them in minute quantities. They don't directly provide energy, yet they're critical for life. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a vitamin-rich diet can help you stave off many diseases.