Food Based Vitamins Are Better
Once upon a time, there was a belief that no difference existed between food-based vitamins and synthetic vitamins. But now we know this simply isn’t so. Your body can absorb natural, food-based supplements so much easier, but there’s also something else of importance here. Many of the compounds that are used to make synthetic vitamins are not things we would ever actually eat.
Did You Know…
Synthetic vitamins can come from many different sources, some of them completely inedible. How would you feel about ingesting coal tar? Or sulfuric acid? I’m willing to guess that that wouldn’t be high on your priority list. However, that’s exactly what you swallow when you consume laboratory-made vitamins like Vitamin B1 or Vitamin C.
What Natural, Food-Based Vitamins Bring You
Your morning smoothie filled with fresh strawberries, blueberries, milk, and bananas comes a whole lot closer to the concept of food-based vitamins than synthetic vitamins do. Vitamin manufacturers that make food-based supplements break down the fruits and vegetables to extract the nutritional content from them.
The Arguments Against Them
The folks who support synthetic vitamins believe it is a concern that natural vitamins are not isolated like they would be if they were synthetic. But what is the real advantage of isolated vitamins? Manufacturers may be able to control how much goes into a pill, and cram lots of a particular vitamin into one tablet, but that doesn’t mean you can digest it or get any benefit from it! Vitamins work best when blended with other vitamins and minerals. These combinations are found in nature, and that’s how the body “expects” to take them in. Food-based vitamins come closer to this ideal than synthetic vitamins do.
To choose the right vitamin, look for the following information:
- No added colors or preservatives
- The company that produces it is known for using all-natural, preferably organic ingredients
- The manufacturer also has a reputation for creating products that have given proven results over a number of years
- Instructions for the storage of the vitamins as well as a date for their shelf life
The Bottom Line
Food-based vitamins taken with a balanced diet offer your body the best chance for health and wellness. Choose vitamins that don’t have added colors or dyes or preservatives. Those are added chemicals that your body doesn’t need, but will have to process just the same.
Don’t be afraid to do your homework. Read reviews of different brands. See what others who’ve tried those vitamins have to say on health-related forums. These things should steer you in the right direction when it comes to choosing the right vitamins for you.
