The In-Depth Look at Natural vs. Synthetic Vitamins
We eat whole foods, not just because we are hungry. It is our body’s way of letting us know that we need substance to keep our body functioning naturally. However, food choices and our fast-paced lifestyle have led to lower nutrition food with high calories, prompting us to rely on vitamin supplements. Below is a breakdown of the most essential vitamins and the differences between natural vs. synthetic forms
Vitamin A – naturally occurring in orange to red-colored foods like carrots. In its natural form, it is known as beta carotene. Its synthetic form is known as beta-ionone, retinyl acetate, and/or retinyl palmitate. The synthetic form primarily comes from palm oil—a leading cause of deforestation.
Vitamin B1 – also known as thiamine, vitamin B1 is found in green, leafy plants. Its synthetic counterpart is made from hydrochloric acid, acetone, ammonia, and coal tar to form thiamine hydrochloride or thiamine mononitrate. This is crystalline in form and may accumulate in our joints, which may lead to health issues.
Vitamin B2 – whole grains, almonds, eggs, and green leafy veggies are rich in riboflavin or vitamin B2. Its synthetic counterpart does not stay in our bloodstream for long periods, unlike its natural counterpart, and is quickly expelled akin to a toxic substance.
Vitamin C – found in citrus fruits. It naturally co-occurs with phytonutrients and flavonoids, while the synthetic ones do not, which makes it less useful than its natural counterpart.
Vitamin E – its most effective form can be gotten from the oils of seeds and grains. Its synthetic form does not stay long in our body and is expelled out of the system speedily, unlike natural vitamin E.
Vitamin K – found in green leafy vegetables. Coal tar derivatives are used to create the synthetic form, which is highly toxic and can negatively affect immunity.
Vitamin B6 – can be naturally sourced from bananas, broccoli, and spinach, to name a few. It is also known as pyridoxine, which plays a considerable role in normal body functioning. It is also known as the most toxic water-soluble vitamin, which can cause nerve damage.
Vitamin D – is naturally stimulated with sun exposure. Synthetic sources come from waxy secretions of animals and animal fat.
Vitamin B12 – also referred to as cobalamin B12 it can be found in seaweed and algae and also produced by bacteria in our tummy. The synthetic source comes from fermented cyanide and cobalt to create cyanocobalamin. Cyanide is a toxic chemical.
Vitamin B9 – also called folate, whole grains and leafy veggies are rich in this nutrient. Folic acid is its crystalline and synthetic form, which is not readily absorbed by the body.
Vitamin B6 – plants are a good source of pyridoxine or vitamin B6. In its synthetic form, it is produced from formaldehyde, HCL acid, and petroleum ester, which are not easily converted to its usable form.
Vitamin B5 – cereal grains, milk, eggs, and veggies are rich in pantothenate or vitamin B5. Formaldehyde and isobutyraldehyde are used to make pantothenic acid, which is the crystalline synthetic form of vitamin B5.
The common thing with synthetic vitamins is that they are sourced from chemicals that we know to be unpalatable and even toxic. There alone lies the BIG difference between these two. Do you want to be served a tablespoon of crystal-aldehyde or a bowl of veggies?
