The primary distinction between synthetic and natural vitamins lies in their production process. Natural vitamins are found in the foods we eat, while synthetic vitamins are found in dietary supplements and fortified foods. Scientists may claim that synthetic supplements are identical to the vitamins and minerals found in foods, but this is impossible since synthetic vitamins and minerals are processed in a laboratory, while natural vitamins and minerals are derived from plants. Synthetic supplements contain few or no natural ingredients, with some claiming to contain 10% natural vitamins, while the rest of the ingredients come from a laboratory.
The “ingredients” in synthetic supplements are chemicals that are manufactured in a laboratory. They may look, feel, and taste natural, but your body probably won't absorb synthetic supplements the way it would absorb natural supplements. In nature, minerals are obtained from food and never in pure form. When pure magnesium enters the body, it is excreted or not well absorbed.
For this reason, we chelate magnesium into amino acids. For example, the magnesium glycinate chelate, a common form of magnesium found in dietary supplements, is magnesium linked to the amino acid glycine for optimal absorption. Therefore, while minerals are generally referred to as synthetic, it is only due to the binding of the mineral to another substance for absorption purposes. There seems to be a tendency to label as charlatans those who claim that natural vitamins are better than synthetic vitamins. This broad label may be hindering legitimate nutrition research.
This article describes 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. It concludes that the lessons of history, as well as of modern science, support the view that natural vitamins are nutritionally superior to synthetic ones. Synthetic nutrients from supplements and fortified foods can have harmful health effects, especially when used in high doses. When consumers hear the word “synthetic” they may think of vitamins packed with chemicals that contain impurities and toxins. Let's explore how organic vitamins and supplements differ from synthetic ones so you can make an informed decision about which one is best for you.
While supplements and fortified foods may be beneficial and necessary for certain people to correct or prevent deficiency, excessive consumption of synthetic nutrients can cause an overintake of certain vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), B vitamins, and sometimes vitamins E and K are usually in synthetic forms when produced for dietary supplements. However, you'll always want to choose supplement companies that have synthetic nutrients that match their natural counterparts. In addition, when taken in supplement form on an empty stomach, some nutrients are much more bioavailable than when consumed as part of a mixed meal from natural food sources. Natural nutrients refer to vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, dairy products, beans, grains, and meat. Sometimes manufacturers even manage to say that synthetic vitamins are “natural” because they are practically “identical” to the nutrients that come from food.
Many multivitamins and so-called fortified foods contain synthetic vitamins because they are cheap to manufacture and are more stable just like processed foods. In general, synthetic nutrients refer to artificial nutrients found in dietary supplements and fortified foods. Seeking Health's omega-3 supplements are non-synthetic and come from high-quality seafood sources. They are made by condensing and concentrating specific fruits, vegetables and other natural foods in a convenient way that allows you to get the optimal amount of each nutrient in each serving. When it comes to choosing between synthetic or natural supplements for your health needs it is important to understand the differences between them. Synthetic supplements contain chemicals manufactured in a laboratory while natural supplements come from food sources such as fruits, vegetables, fish, dairy products, beans, grains and meat.
Synthetic nutrients may be cheaper to manufacture but they can have harmful health effects when taken in high doses whereas natural nutrients provide more bioavailability when taken on an empty stomach. It is important to choose supplement companies that have synthetic nutrients that match their natural counterparts for optimal health benefits. Natural vitamins have been proven clinically beneficial while synthetic ones can cause an overintake of certain vitamins or minerals if taken excessively. Ultimately it is up to you to decide which type of supplement is best for your health needs.
