In general, taking supplements according to the amounts indicated on the package is safe for most people. Natural nutrients are found in the foods we eat, while synthetic nutrients are found in dietary supplements and fortified foods. There is a tendency to label those who claim that natural vitamins are better than synthetic vitamins as charlatans, which may be hindering legitimate nutrition research. This article will discuss the physiochemical differences between certain natural and synthetic vitamins, the proven clinical benefits of natural vitamins, and some of the effects that this labeling can cause.
The lessons of history, as well as modern science, support the view that natural vitamins are nutritionally superior to synthetic vitamins. While synthetic vitamins may benefit certain people, everyone should strive for a nutritious and personalized diet. You should not use synthetic vitamins to completely replace organic nutrients. Natural vitamins come with several enzymes, minerals, lipids, proteins, and other nutrients to help the body digest and utilize them. Synthetic vitamins are isolated forms of those they mimic.
Aside from vitamin E, there is no difference between natural and synthetic vitamins. In fact, 95% of the vitamins on the market are synthetic because it's actually very difficult to include natural vitamins in most supplements. In addition, fortified foods and supplements tend to contain higher amounts of nutrients than natural foods. This means that synthetic calcium and vitamin D supplements can help prevent bone loss and bone fracture. Natural vitamin companies often claim that your body won't know how to process vitamins that have been created synthetically. Supplements that list individual nutrients, such as vitamin C, or that use chemical names such as ascorbic acid, are almost certainly synthetic. For example, while vitamin C has been shown to have similar bioavailability when consumed naturally through foods such as fruits and vegetables and supplements with synthetic vitamin C, other synthetic nutrients are more bioavailable (3, 4).
Synthetic vitamins are isolated or simulated nutrients that do not take into account all the myriad phytonutrients that accompany them. While some synthetic nutrients have been associated with adverse health effects, many people need dietary supplements and fortified foods. But is this true? Or is it another marketing tactic to get you to buy the most expensive, naturally created vitamins? The most typical all-natural vitamin is classified as something that is created directly from plant material. While supplements and fortified foods may be beneficial and necessary for certain people to correct or prevent deficiency, excessive consumption of synthetic nutrients can result in an overintake of certain vitamins and minerals. When your diet is inadequate, a vitamin supplement is the best option to reach the recommended daily amount, and natural supplements aren't as effective.
Make sure that your vitamin supplements (whether synthetic or natural) are tested for toxicity and contaminants, are properly labeled, and break down in the body in the right time. With a few exceptions such as vitamin E, natural beta-carotene and vitamin B12, all vitamins used in dietary supplements are synthetic. In conclusion, it's important to understand the differences between natural and synthetic vitamins when considering supplementation. Natural vitamins come with several enzymes, minerals, lipids, proteins, and other nutrients to help the body digest and utilize them.
Everyone should strive for a nutritious and personalized diet but if you need a supplement make sure it's tested for toxicity and contaminants before taking it.
