Many are seeking ways to become more active, looking at the best choices when dining out, and what can be done to achieve more energy and a healthier overall appearance. We all know that food is fuel for the body, and vitamins are essential, so a good start toward a healthier lifestyle is maintaining proper nutrition. For those who are curious about the best options regarding supplements and whether natural vitamins are more effective than a synthetic form, here are some facts to help understand the differences.
Natural Vitamins
The first thing to know is that in order for a vitamin to be deemed “natural” by law, it only has to be 10 percent natural. So for those who are looking for a completely natural product -be careful to read the labels and if necessary investigate the product. When a product that is indeed natural is found, note that it is concentrated from its natural source, no processes like extreme heat or pressure were used, and there is no chemical, or sugar coating on the product.
Synthetic Vitamins
Synthetic vitamins are those made chemically, rather than being derived from a plant or other natural source. They are made in a laboratory setting. They are also often cheaper to produce than natural vitamins. Natural health authorities maintain that synthetic vitamins are worthless and ineffective, but many doctors and even nutritionists claim that synthetic vitamins have a molecular chemical structure that is indistinguishable to that of a natural vitamin and essentially just as effective. Science tells us that synthetic vitamins may be identical to the natural forms--or are easily converted to the natural form in the human body. Another observation when choosing synthetically made vitamins is purity. Laboratory produced nutrients must meet the rigid standards of the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP).
Dietary Needs
A good guideline when choosing the best option, whether a natural vitamin, or a synthetic version, is to consider personal dietary needs, such as a lack calcium, or iron deficiency. Multivitamins with additional calcium and iron are easy to find. In addition, women may opt for a vitamin fashioned for females, and vice versa for men. Other options include those formulated for energy and weight loss (though their effectiveness may not be proven). Peruse the pharmacy shelves and keep in mind a natural vitamin may be more expensive, but there are synthetic selections that certainly stand up to scrutiny--so don't be swayed by prices. And remember, above all, the most important factor will be the list of ingredients and their amounts.
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