If you’re here then you’ve probably Google’d about: synthetic vs non synthetic vitamins.
What Are Synthetic And Natural Nutrients?
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide us with fiber, vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, which are thought to be responsible for many health benefits. Observational studies show that higher fruit and vegetable intake is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and some brain disorders Many large observational studies have shown that people who eat fish regularly have a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes and death from heart disease Eating one serving of legumes like beans, peas and chickpeas each day has been linked to 5% lower LDL cholesterol levels and a 5-6% lower risk of heart disease One review found that 4 weekly servings of nuts was linked to a 28% lower risk of heart disease, and 22% lower risk of diabetes Whole grain consumption has also been associated with protection against cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity ( .
What Are Synthetic And Natural Nutrients?
Generally, synthetic nutrients refer to artificial nutrients found in dietary supplements and fortified foods. Even though some supplements are made from whole food sources, such as vitamin C supplements made from fruit extracts, they typically contain a much higher dose of nutrients than found in a normal food serving. It’s reported that about 33% of adults in the United States take multivitamin supplements.
Plus, many people supplement with isolated nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, iron, and B12 What’s more, many food products are fortified with synthetic nutrients like iron, calcium, copper, folic acid, and vitamin A Maintaining optimal nutrient levels is essential to health, but the consumption of fortified foods and dietary supplements may lead to the excessive consumption of certain nutrients Plus, the body absorbs some synthetic nutrients more easily than their natural counterparts. Many supplements and fortified foods also contain very high doses of vitamins and minerals that typically aren’t necessary for most people.
What Is Bioavailability?
Nutrients from your supplements and foods are only as good as your ability to absorb and utilize them.
In pharmacology, it is a measure of how much of a substance (medication or nutrient) is able to reach your bloodstream. Since supplements are taken orally, absorption is largely related to your gastrointestinal ability to digest and absorb nutrients, which are then transported into the bloodstream via receptors in your gut lining. As a result, fewer biochemical resources (such as enzymes, energy, and cofactors) are needed to absorb and utilize a bioavailable nutrient.
What Are Synthetic Supplements?
Scientists will tell you that synthetic supplements are identical to vitamins and minerals found in food. Your body can tell the difference, even if a microscope can’t. Some claim to contain 10% natural vitamins, but the rest of the ingredients will have come from a lab.
The “ingredients” of synthetic supplements are chemicals that are constructed in a lab. They may look, feel and taste natural, but your body may not—probably does not—absorb synthetic supplements in the same way that your body would absorb natural supplements.