You can get a prescription vitamin from your doctor or pharmacy when you need it. In general, the Dutch have little to do with a (serious) vitamin deficiency, but sometimes you need extra supplements with vitamins for other reasons. In that case, your doctor can write out a prescription.
In this article, we look at when you need a prescription vitamin and how you could avoid it.
When do I need prescription vitamins?

1. You are deficient in vitamins
Suppose you have been listless, tired, and have pain in your lower back for weeks. This could be a sign of a vitamin D deficiency. When you go to the doctor to have your blood tested, you will be told that you do indeed have a vitamin D deficiency. As a solution, the doctor will write you a prescription vitamin. That way you get exactly the right dose.
2. You sleep badly
You can also get a prescription vitamin if you suffer from other complaints, such as a persistent bad night’s sleep. This does not necessarily have to be a vitamin, but can also be melatonin in a higher dose than the one you can get at the drugstore.
3. You absorb a certain vitamin less well
Sometimes your body absorbs one or more substances less well because of a certain disease or condition, or because you are taking medication that means you absorb vitamins less well. In this case, a prescription vitamin is also necessary to stay healthy and avoid deficiency.
4. Prescription vitamin because you fall into a risk group
Certain people are more likely to have a vitamin deficiency, such as pregnant people when they also have to support their child, people with alcohol addiction, or people with an eating disorder. If a doctor suspects that they have a higher chance of getting a vitamin deficiency, they can prescribe a vitamin on prescription as a preventive measure.
How can you avoid needing a prescription vitamin?

A better option is to eat a balanced diet. If you eat the right way, you get enough vitamins and minerals. This way you reduce the chance of a shortage, and you also have good food!