Natural vitamins or synthetic vitamins - which should you take? We will present the essential differences and advantages.
Difference between natural vitamins and synthetic vitamins
Natural vitamin supplements fill in the gaps that occur due to inadequate nutrition. However, the optimal choice of vitamins can be a confusing matter.
What vitamins do you really need? And what is the difference between natural and synthetic vitamins?
There are several thoughts that come to mind when we want to feel good and have good health.
Maybe you meditate, run, or attend yoga classes to reduce stress. You also try to cook at home.
Even if you do these things, you may still have low energy.
Vitamin supplements can fill in the gaps that may occur in your diet. However, it can be confusing when choosing vitamins for your family or yourself.
Here is the difference between synthetic and natural vitamins:
- Synthetic vitamins are made from chemicals to mimic the natural way nutrients are absorbed.
- Synthetic vitamins are difficult for your body to absorb and can even cause health problems.
- Natural Vitamins condenses and concentrates fruits and vegetables to produce natural vitamins for the body.
- Natural vitamins are biologically recognized by the body.
Why are vitamins important?
Vitamins are organic molecules that the body needs, but cannot make, and must obtain from the daily diet.
Real food is what supplies the body with these essential nutrients. This is why nutrition is so important to good health.
In the past, you could only get all the vitamins your body needed from a healthy diet, but now our food is less nutritious. Even if you avoid GMO foods and eat organic, your food contains fewer nutrients than before.
Vitamins are essential for health due to current food production processes.
Our soil is being stripped of its nutritional value by conventional farming methods. Fields are depleted due to overuse and repeated cropping in the same area leads to non-regeneration of the soil.
Soil is very important. Only 2.5 cm of nutrient-rich topsoil is produced every 100 years.
Current farming trends are depleting soil at a rate 10 times faster than it can be replenished with nutrients.
This is why organic, sustainable farming methods are important. Traditional farming methods try to compensate by adding pesticides and fertilizers, but ultimately damage the produce.
Pesticides limit the beneficial microbes in the soil that help plants absorb nutrients. Fertilizers tend to focus on certain key chemicals and not all minerals, organic components or beneficial microbes that go into a good diet.
And genetically modified foods have entered our food supply chain, and we don't know how they might affect us in the long term.
In addition to these problems, we improve and further process our food, so it can stay on store shelves longer, is more convenient, tastier and even more tempting. By processing or processing, we remove and destroy vital nutrients.
Most of the food you find in grocery stores barely resembles what mankind has been eating for thousands of years. It's no wonder we're seeing autoimmune disorders, food allergies, and on the rise the obesity epidemic.
When you eat processed or processed foods, your body can't find the nutrients it needs, so your body keeps asking you to eat more and more.
Have you ever had that crazy evening hunger? This happens because your body is trying to get more nutrients.
Since food is no longer as nutritious, we need to fill the gaps with vitamins. Of course, we can try to increase our food intake, but even this may not solve the problem because it is not always possible to eat large amounts of food.
The health of your loved ones and yourself should not be another cause for concern.
The problem with synthetic vitamins
It is known that the body needs a constant supply of vitamins and minerals so that your body can function properly.
The solution is to create cheap vitamins in laboratories and add them to food and drinks.
The problem is that these synthetic vitamins are also not what the body actually requires.
Almost all multivitamins are synthetic. The same goes for fortified foods.
There is a good reason for this. Synthetic vitamins are cheaper and usually more stable.
This means they can sit on the shelves for months or years, be added to foods in large doses or compressed into small, dense pills.
These vitamins are allowed to be called "natural" even when they are synthetic, because scientists say that synthetics are almost identical to what is found in food.
However, the way these compounds are produced is not similar to the metabolic processes that plants and animals use to make them.
Avoid supplements that use words ending in -acid, -ide, and sometimes -ate, or use "dl" before the name.
Synthetic vitamins are isolated or simulated nutrients that do not take into account all the countless phytonutrients that come with them.
These synthetic vitamins, based on numerous studies, are:
- NOT as bioavailable as natural vitamins
- NOT absorbable or usable
- NOT what we find in natural foods
- UNRECOGNIZED by the body
"Almost identical" vitamins stress the kidneys and are often treated as toxins. Recent studies have even linked synthetic vitamins to an increased risk of cancer.
Your vitamins should help you live a healthy life, not harm you.
How synthetic vitamins affect the body
Synthetic vitamins cannot be eliminated immediately
The body excretes excess natural vitamins, while synthetic vitamins accumulate in the liver as substances that can be toxic to the body.
The body uses only what it needs from organic vitamins. Excess vitamins are processed and discarded, but this is not the case with synthetic supplements.
Synthetic vitamins contain high concentrations of chemicals that mimic natural vitamins. Basically, you get a higher dose of these vitamins than you get from fruits and vegetables, as well as organic food sources.
They are stored in the body until they can be processed with the right nutrients.
This can be dangerous for the body, as the accumulated chemicals that cannot be eliminated by the body can eventually lead to disease.
Synthetic vitamins do not contain trace elements
Natural vitamins come with a variety of enzymes, minerals, lipids, proteins, and other nutrients that help the body digest and use them. Synthetic vitamins are only available in single forms.
Unlike organic vitamins that come from food that contain trace elements and other nutrients, clinically produced vitamins do not contain any other nutrients.
If you don't take other supplements like magnesium, iron, or folic acid, just taking vitamins in pill form can lead to serious nutrient deficiency problems.
Synthetic vitamins eventually become toxic
Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, are necessary for the body to properly absorb fatty acids. Consuming natural food sources allows the body to metabolize them properly, eliminating any excess accordingly.
Meanwhile, synthetic forms of these vitamins are produced in high concentrations.
Because they are isolated and do not contain fatty lipids for the body to process properly, they are stored in the liver.
Over time, excess of these vitamins accumulate in the liver and eventually become toxic to the body.
To help your body metabolize synthetic vitamins, you need to eat foods that contain minerals, nutrients, and enzymes.
Difference between natural and synthetic vitamins
Vitamin A
Vitamin A appears in foods as beta-carotene. For it to be useful, the body must convert it into vitamin A. It doesn't sound very efficient, but vitamin A can be toxic in high doses.
Beta-carotene allows the body to convert what it needs and eliminate what it doesn't, thus naturally protecting against damage.
Some sources of vitamin A include:
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Apricot
- Mango
Synthetic vitamin A
Synthetic vitamin A is retinyl palmitate or retinyl acetate. This synthetic form is made by combining fish or palm oil with beta-ionone.
Palm oil leads to deforestation and endangers orangutans. Beta-ionone is created using citrus fruits, acetone and calcium oxide.
Vitamin A deficiency symptoms:
- dry skin
- poorly visible in the dark
- dry eyes
- slow wound healing
- acne breakouts
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is a water-soluble vitamin made by plants that binds to phosphate. During digestion, thiamine is released using specialized enzymes that target phosphate.
Some food sources of vitamin B1 include:
- Brown rice and other whole grains
- Oatmeal
- Nutritional yeast
- Sunflower seeds
- Nuts
- Watermelon
Synthetic vitamin B1
Thiamine mononitrate or thiamine hydrochloride is made from coal tar, ammonia, acetone and hydrochloric acid. It is much less absorbable because it is not bound to phosphate.
It has a crystalline structure, unlike plant vitamins.
Many synthetic vitamins are crystalline. Crystals in our blood cause damage and build up of minerals where they are not needed, such as in the joints.
Symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency:
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Poor reflexes
- Tingling sensation in hands and feet
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
More about the importance of B vitamins - Why are B vitamins important and where to get them?
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Riboflavin is easily absorbed, remains in the blood for a long time and is easily used in the body for the proper functioning of many important enzymes.
Some food sources of vitamin B2 include:
- Yeast
- Beans
- Groats
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
Synthetic vitamin B2
Synthetic riboflavin is produced from acetic acid and nitrogen or by using genetically modified bacteria and fermentation. It has been shown to be less absorbed and rapidly cleared from the bloodstream and excreted in the urine.
Symptoms of vitamin B2 deficiency:
- Skin rash
- Dry tongue
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Visual disturbances
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Niacinamide or nicotinamide is found in food and is commonly called niacin. Niacin can have side effects, but these are minimal when obtained from plant foods.
Some food sources of vitamin B3 include:
- Legumes
- Brown rice
- green vegetables
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
Synthetic vitamin B3
Nicotinic acid is created using coal tar, ammonia, acids, 3-cyanopyridine and formaldehyde. It is less absorbable and has a higher risk of side effects.
Symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency:
- Depression
- Disorientation
- Apathy
Vitamin B12
Cobalamin B12 is only produced by microorganisms such as bacteria that grow in the soil and in our intestines, as well as some microalgae and possibly some types of seaweed.
Synthetic vitamin B12
Cobalt and cyanide are fermented to form cyanocobalamin. That's right, cyanide.
It is present in small amounts, but it is still cyanide.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency:
- Diarrhea
- Melting
- Visual comprehension
Vitamin C
In nature, it is combined with flavonoids and phytonutrients that aid its absorption and utilization.
What are flavonoids? These are water-soluble polyphenolic plant compounds known to have antioxidant properties.
Some food sources of vitamin C include:
- Peppers
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Oranges
- grapefruit
- Cabbage
Synthetic vitamin C
Ascorbic acid is an isolated vitamin from genetically modified corn sugar that is hydrogenated and treated with acetone. It does not contain flavonoids and phytonutrients that make it more effective.
Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency:
- easy bruising
- rough, uneven skin
- slow healing wounds
- swollen joints
Vitamin D
Natural sources of vitamin D
Technically, it's not always thought of as a vitamin because the body can make it. Mushrooms, yeasts and lichens produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. People too. A daily dose of about 20 minutes of sunlight provides everything we need. Vitamin D3 is the most effective kind, the same one that comes from our own skin and algae. Fungi and yeast often yield D2.
Synthetic vitamin D
To mimic the natural production we find in our skin, researchers irradiate animal fat to stimulate vitamin D3 synthesis. They usually use lanolin, a waxy secretion from sheepskin that keeps the wool dry.
Vitamin D deficiency symptoms:
- bone and back pain
- prone to diseases
- muscle loss
- slow wound healing
Vitamin E
Vitamin E refers to eight different fat-soluble compounds and acts as an antioxidant to protect fats from oxidation.
Some food sources of vitamin E include:
- Sunflower seeds
- Nuts
- Groats
- Spinach
Synthetic vitamin E
Synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol is formulated using refined oils, trimethylhydroquinone and isophytol. It is not as easily absorbed, does not remain in the tissues as long and is eventually released.
Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency:
- muscle fatigue
- impaired vision
Vitamin K
This vitamin is important for proper blood clotting and some metabolic pathways. It is found mainly in dark leafy greens.
Some food sources of vitamin K include:
- Spinach
- Turnip greens
- Cabbage
- Parsley
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Green tea
Synthetic vitamin K
Menadione is derived from coal tar derivatives and genetically modified and hydrogenated soybean oil and uses hydrochloric acid and nickel. Although these chemicals are broken down during the manufacturing process, they are also considered highly toxic and can damage the immune system.
Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency:
- heavy bleeding from minor wounds
- easy bruising
- blood in stool/urine
Why Use Natural Whole Food Vitamins?
Your daily vitamin intake should come as much as possible from your daily diet. Supplements will not correct poor nutrition and should never replace whole foods.
You should always eat a variety of nutritious foods. Superfoods are a way to get more vitamins from every bite.
But our soil doesn't have the same nutrients it used to, so your food lacks the same high levels of nutrients. So, taking multivitamins can help your body.
By eating fruits and vegetables, you get more vitamins and minerals without even eating crazy amounts of these foods.
Think about it: You can't eat a box of oranges in one sitting to make sure you're getting enough vitamin C. Natural vitamins give you the same benefits as the quality foods you eat every day, just in a more concentrated and easy-to-consume package.
In addition, your body can easily absorb nutrients when you take natural vitamins. Your body is designed to absorb nutrients from food, and you get all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and coenzymes that synthetic vitamins don't.1
When looking for natural vitamins, you can buy vitamins recommended by specialists - Vitamins
It is important to rememberthat everyone's health is individual and there is no common recipe for everyone!
So, if you want to know what nutrients your body might be lacking right now, health professionals recommend a guide – "Your Day".
- In time, pay attention to the signals sent by your well-being
- Replenish the body with natural minerals, vitamins and nutrients necessary for health.
- Enjoy energy and good mood everyday!
