Vitamin Supplements: Natural or Synthetic?

In the very near future we will be offering specially formulated Vitamin Supplements in our clinic and online. Therefore, we felt it only fair to discuss the types of supplements available, and what to look for in purchasing a quality supplement. Obviously, we know our products will pass the test, as there was much time and effort put into the formulation process.

When researching, make sure the product’s ingredients are natural, whole plants herbs and supplements that are not synthetic or metallic minerals.  If herbs and plants or supplements are imported from another country, they will not have the same regulations, practice and standards as the United States.

You need to know the distinction between natural and synthetic forms of vitamins, amino acids and fat soluble vitamins and minerals. For instance the synthetic form of vitamin B 12 is cyanocobalamin and the natural form is methylcobalamin. You need to also recognize there are certain letters used for synthetic versions of amino acids and fat soluble vitamins.

Synthetic vitamins contain chemical compounds that were not meant for human consumption, devoid of necessary trace minerals and have been isolated, thus lacking the transporters and co-factors for your body to recognize, assimilate and utilize. Synthetic vitamins allow for either the storage waiting for the proper missing nutrients to assimilate, or use your own body’s mineral reserves to assimilate properly. If that is not possible the body will simply excrete without any attempts of assimilation. That makes for an expensive toilet trip.

A merging trend is dried whole foods and herbs or raw dried whole foods. Don’t fall prey to marketing ploys; it may not be the whole truth. There are products using standard pharmacopeia (United States Pharmacopeia USP) vitamins and combining them with dried foods and/or herbs then add in fillers and other additives. Basically you are paying more and not getting anything better than a conventional pharmaceutical grade supplement.

Be sure the company is providing full label disclosure, of active and non active ingredients. Research indicates that 5 out of 8 labels do not match the contents in the bottle. You want a product that lists all non-medicinal; standardizations of herbal extracts to indicate primary active marker compounds; and vitamin and minerals listed by true elemental weight.

Other ingredients listed may include sweeteners (high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltodextrin, concentrated fruit juices ect.), artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, Splenda), are there any preservatives such as BHT, potassium sorbate, benzonate, bisulfate, sulphite, nitrites, nitrate, additives, coloring and other toxins. If your product contains, one or a combination of any of these and other ingredients not mentioned, you need to look for another product.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is; don’t be fooled by marketing words. Most companies will brag about ingredients but not the about the effectiveness of their product or proven health benefits. If they are advertising the latest fads or buzz words such as Acai and soy which is in everything; be leery. You may not be getting a product that will serve your needs. If the product makes claim of curing an ailment it is in direct violation with the FDA and it is illegal for any product to make claims of curing and having an impact on any disease or ailment.

If your product has past all of the above, the next step is to know and trust the company manufacturing your supplements. It is important more than ever to educate yourself on the validity of your supplement choice and know what to look for in a company.

Remember that supplements are just that—a supplement and compliment to a healthy diet and lifestyle. We hope this has been informative for anyone searching quality vitamin supplements. To learn more about our Health & Wellness SUPPLEMENTS COMING SOON!! Visit our website: http://www.barretohealthcare.com/