Which ones are better, natural or synthetic health supplements?
Advertising claims imply that vitamins derived from 'natural' sources are better than 'synthetic' vitamins created chemically in a laboratory. They may state that their natural products are more potent or better absorbed - and manufacturers generally charge more for natural products. But what is 'natural'?
Most supplements, no matter what their source, are processed with chemicals in laboratories. Some that are labelled 'natural' are really synthetic vitamins with plant extract, or minute amounts of naturally derived vitamins, mixed in. Even the most natural products have undergone some refining and processing and contain some additives - to hold them together or to preserve them so that they don't deteriorate too quickly. However, most reputable manufacturers try to keep their products as pure as possible.
Some vitamins, such as vitamin B, are commonly synthesized, as the natural alternatives, such as yeast, can cause adverse reactions in many people. Others, such as vitamin B12 and coenzyme Q10, are grown on specific bacteria. However, the way the fat-soluble vitamins are processed can make a difference. For example, 'natural' vitamin E - made from soya bean or wheatgerm oil - is absorbed about twice as efficiently as the synthetic form. This is usually reflected in the price, as the naturally sourced product is more expensive to produce. Vitamin A from cod liver oil or halibut liver oil appears to be a little less toxic than the synthesized versions (though you still need to be careful with dosage, as vitamin A is stored in the liver), and beta-carotene naturally sourced from foods or algae is clinically more effective - perhaps because the naturally sourced versions also have small amounts of other substances (such as carotenoids) working synergistically in the supplement. Many companies are now manufacturing tablets and powders directly from fruits and vegetables to gain the broad spectrum of antioxidants and other nutrients needed for health.
Check the additives in any supplement in case you're allergic to any of them - and you may have to pay more for a supplement with fewer of these inert fillers. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer.
Most supplements, no matter what their source, are processed with chemicals in laboratories. Some that are labelled 'natural' are really synthetic vitamins with plant extract, or minute amounts of naturally derived vitamins, mixed in. Even the most natural products have undergone some refining and processing and contain some additives - to hold them together or to preserve them so that they don't deteriorate too quickly. However, most reputable manufacturers try to keep their products as pure as possible.
Some vitamins, such as vitamin B, are commonly synthesized, as the natural alternatives, such as yeast, can cause adverse reactions in many people. Others, such as vitamin B12 and coenzyme Q10, are grown on specific bacteria. However, the way the fat-soluble vitamins are processed can make a difference. For example, 'natural' vitamin E - made from soya bean or wheatgerm oil - is absorbed about twice as efficiently as the synthetic form. This is usually reflected in the price, as the naturally sourced product is more expensive to produce. Vitamin A from cod liver oil or halibut liver oil appears to be a little less toxic than the synthesized versions (though you still need to be careful with dosage, as vitamin A is stored in the liver), and beta-carotene naturally sourced from foods or algae is clinically more effective - perhaps because the naturally sourced versions also have small amounts of other substances (such as carotenoids) working synergistically in the supplement. Many companies are now manufacturing tablets and powders directly from fruits and vegetables to gain the broad spectrum of antioxidants and other nutrients needed for health.
Check the additives in any supplement in case you're allergic to any of them - and you may have to pay more for a supplement with fewer of these inert fillers. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer.
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