If you take vitamins and understand the value of good supplements in maintaining your health, you probably want quality vitamins.

Vitamins you find on pharmacy shelves are usually made synthetically, through chemical processes, rather than derived directly from plants or other natural materials. In fact, manufacturers of all natural vitamins and some of their supporters, claim they’re superior to synthetic vitamins. Is there any fact behind these claims?

It’s not always easy to distinguish between “synthetic” and “natural” vitamins. The definition of a natural vitamin is a concentrated nutrient derived from a quality natural source. The idea behind this is, maximum retention of the natural material, no artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives should be used.

A natural source contains “co-factors” that naturally come with the nutrient in nature. For instance, co-factors that are usually found with Vitamin C are bioflavonoids. It should be in its concentrated natural source as much as possible. No extreme heat, pressure, or toxic solvents are used in making the vitamins. They should be free of sugar and chemical tablet coating. All natural vitamins should be prepared from high quality raw ingredients. No artificial chemicals, harsh binders or fillers are added.

Synthetic vitamins are made from “coal-tar” derivatives. All “co-factors” are removed. Most of the vitamins and food supplements sold today are synthetic, because they’re cheaper to produce than all natural vitamins.

Natural health experts claim that synthetic vitamins are ineffective and of no use. Doctors and even some nutritionists claim that synthetic vitamins have a chemical molecular structure identical to the all natural vitamin and they’re just as effective. OK, who’s telling the truth here? They can’t both be right.

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