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Natural vitamins
are derived directly from plants rather than synthetically created through a chemical process. Some manufacturers produce both synthetic and natural vitamins. It is somewhat difficult to make a distinction between synthetic and natural vitamins. Basically, a natural vitamin is a concentrated nutrient derived from a quality natural source, with no artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives. Natural vitamins contain co-factors that come with the nutrient in nature. For instance, some co-factors that are usually found with Vitamin C are various bioflavonoids. It is concentrated from its natural source as carefully as possible. No extreme heat, pressure, or possible toxic solvents are used to make the natural vitamins. There are no sugar or chemical tablet coatings. The nutrients are prepared from high quality raw ingredients, no artificial chemicals are added nor do harsh binders or fillers hinder absorption. Synthetic vitamins are made in a laboratory through a chemical process, rather than from natural plants and materials. When the synthetic molecule is identical to the form derived from natural sources, both are indistinguishable from each other in all aspects, including their function and effects on the human body.
The question then becomes, which is better - natural vitamins or synthetic vitamins? As you would guess, there is much debate on the subject. Natural health authorities claim that synthetic vitamins are useless and ineffective. However, many medical doctors and even some nutritionists claim that synthetic vitamins have a molecular chemical structure identical to the natural vitamin and that they are just as effective. Still others say that taking any vitamin is better than not having the nutrients at all. The debate is not likely to end any time soon. Let it be known, however, that tests have shown that synthetic vitamins may be as much as 70 percent less biologically active than natural vitamins.
For some people, it comes down to price. Natural vitamins are generally more expensive than synthetic vitamins. If you want to purchase only natural vitamins, be sure to read the labels. For example, natural Vitamin A will contain fish oils, while synthetic Vitamin A will contain acetate or palmitate. Yeast is another good indicator that it is natural vitamin. Look for yeast on the labels of Vitamin B-Complex, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), and Niacin as an indictor to whether it is a natural vitamin or synthetic.
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