The Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Vitamins

The Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Vitamins

Many vitamins you find on the shelves are made through chemical processes. Natural vitamins are drawn from other plants or materials. Is there a difference between natural and synthetic vitamins? Do they do the same work are they equally effective?

It is hard to make the distinction between natural and synthetic vitamins. Natural vitamins are defined as coming from a quality natural source with no artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners added. A natural vitamin also has cofactors such as bioflavonoids and is extracted from the natural source carefully. High heat, intense pressure, or potentially toxic solvents are not used. Also, no sugar or chemical tablet coatings are placed on the vitamins. They are always prepared from the highest quality of raw ingredients and there are no artificial chemicals added.

Synthetic vitamins are made in a laboratory. There are no cofactors present and they are made from coal tar derivatives. Most of the vitamins sold on the market today are synthetic vitamins. The only other way to compare the two is by considering the molecular structure of each vitamin.

There are advantages to both natural and synthetic vitamins. You may receive Vitamin C by eating an orange or having orange juice. If you eat an orange however, you may get varying amounts of Vitamin C according to where the orange was grown and how it was harvested and delivered. Studies infer Vitamin C should be taken in the natural form because of adding bioflavonoids that aid in absorption by the body. However, if you are using fresh fruit for your Vitamin C allowance, you may not be getting enough for maximum benefit for your body.

An advantage to supplements produced synthetically is that you can be sure they meet standards of the United States Pharmacopeia. Most synthetic supplements are identical with their natural counterparts or are easily converted by the body to the natural form. Synthetic vitamins are cheaper and purer than most natural vitamins. There is less potential for contamination because they are produced in a laboratory setting.

It is hard to identify differences in synthetic and natural vitamins and nutrients. In making your choice from the store shelf, you should look at the amounts of the ingredients and then let price help you make your choice. If the list on the label is similar and equal then you should buy the less expensive vitamin product. The body absorbs vitamins in liquid form best. The body will absorb liquid vitamins five times faster than tablet vitamins.

The best way to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs for each day is to take a good multivitamin. Basically there is little difference between synthetic and natural vitamins. Synthetic vitamins may be safer because of the way they are manufactured. Comparing scientific reviews on the various brands of multivitamins can help you make the right decision on which vitamin is best for your over-all health. Many reviews will give you their quality level, ingredients, and overall value.

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