Vitamins and supplements don't require a prescription. They generally come in the form of a pill, powder or liquid.

The brain uses vitamin B1 to help convert glucose into energy. A vitamin B1 deficiency can affect brain function, and has been associated with anxiety, depression, memory loss and insomnia.

Some vitamins and supplements interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Others may not be safe to take if you have certain medical conditions. Consult your health care provider before starting a new vitamin or supplement.

It's essential to get as many vitamins and nutrients as possible from healthy food sources. However, some people need to take supplements to fill in a gap in their diet. For example, a vegan may need to take vitamin B12, as it's only found naturally in foods from animal sources.

As we age, we lose more calcium than our body can absorb, which can weaken bones and lead to osteoporosis. Older adults often benefit from a calcium supplement to promote healthy bones.