A question that has often been asked of me is: “Will you tell me what the difference is between Whole food and Synthetic supplements? Vitamins can be so expensive so I buy my vitamins at one of the wholesale warehouses in town, or at the local drugstore. Does this really make a difference?”
There are multiple reasons and the first, and probably foremost, problem is that synthetic vitamins create nutritional deficiencies. The body really likes to receive FOOD in its natural form therefore, when taking synthetic vitamins; the body has to work hard to process them. This can be harmful to your body.
Freshness is another huge concern and since the FDA does not require expiration dates on synthetic vitamins, many companies don’t include them. Calcium, for an example is packed with preservatives, and can potentially sit in the manufacturer’s warehouse or on the retailer’s shelf for many years prior to being sold. Whole food supplements, on the other hand, have a dated shelf life and you know exactly how fresh your vitamins are prior to buying them.
Synthetic vitamins will work as a stimulant and not as a true nutrient and will often cause a “rush”. Whole food vitamins are just like eating food. There is no rush – just a new source of energy that the body is craving.
What about labels?
What’s on the label isn’t always what’s in the pill! There are many deceptive and misleading labels. For instance, the word, “natural,” is written on just about everything these days. The vitamin companies only have to use 10% natural substances to make the claim “natural”.
For example,
There are some companies that mix a negligible 10% natural vitamin E with 90% synthetic vitamin E and call their product “natural” without proclaiming any of the synthetic segments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet stopped this false labeling.
Most of the vitamins labeled “natural” never break down. They often contain potentially hazardous chemicals such as food allergens, additives, sugar, artificial food coloring, flavoring, shellac, chlorine, and more.
·The word “pure” is legal due to the fact that the product is the pure fundamental nature of the chemical molecule.
·The word “organic” implies something organically grown. This only means anything that contains a carbon atom; which could mean a synthetic substance.
·The phrase “vitamin complex” contains minute quantities of the co-factors once in the food.
·The term “from natural sources” can refer to a natural substance like corn sugar.
The best scenario is that these toxic substances, (synthetics) will pass through our bodies unused. The worst scenario is that they will cause harm to our kidneys.
How can you tell if my vitamins are synthetic?
·Drop your vitamin in a glass of water and watch it break down. If it doesn’t break down within 10 – 20 minutes, it is not a natural soluble vitamin. Synthetic vitamins basically sit at the bottom of the glass, releasing colorings, dyes, or shellac.
·Check out your urine. Synthetic vitamins, especially the B complex, will make it turn yellow and the odor of the vitamin will be noticeable.
Chemicals are toxic substances that need to be neutralized by the liver. Our bodies are amazing; however, it doesn’t mean they have the capability to make nutrients out of chemicals.
Synthetic vitamin dealers would like you to believe there’s no difference between natural and synthetic. Since synthetic vitamins are not available to the body, don’t waste your precious money on them that will only create expensive urine and may damage your most precious asset….your health!
To your health,
Linda Vail, Naturopath
