So why choose wholefoods over synthetics? It’s hard enough trying to ensure your diet contains enough nutrients without having to worry about which versions of these nutrients are better for you right? Not all nutrients were created equal, some were created by nature over billions of years to achieve the perfect chemical balance for life, and others were artificially synthesised in a lab. Here at Nutra, we will continue to choose wholefoods over synthetics every time, and here’s some pretty great reasons why:
1. Bioavailability
Studies have continually found that natural nutrients are absorbed better and are more bioavailable than their synthetic counterparts. Although the end chemical structure of synthetic vitamins may often look identical to the structure of natural vitamins, the ways they have been created are very different and your body may treat them differently as a result. An example of this phenomenon involves seawater. Scientists can artificially create saltwater that is chemically identical to seawater yet some fish will die when they are transferred from natural seawater into the artificial seawater. Why? Absolutely no idea! But it does demonstrate that there is more to nature than just chemical composition.
2. Easier on your body
Synthetic vitamins put additional strain on our bodies as they often require biological activation once they are consumed. This activation uses up energy and other nutrients from the body to be used as cofactors. Natural vitamins, on the other hand, are biologically active and are present alongside other natural compounds that will enhance their action.
3. More effective at lower doses
Because natural nutrients are absorbed and activated at a higher ratio than synthetic ones, you don’t need to consume as much for your body to get the benefits.
4. They are safer
Consuming nutrients the way nature intended is always safer. Not to mention that mistakes can be made in the lab and a chemical may come out slightly differently than intended, and tiny differences at a chemical level can have dramatic outcomes on a physiological level. The thalidomide tragedy is the most famous example of labs getting chemicals a little bit wrong with terrible consequences.
5. Family friendly
Lots of synthetics are not safe for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Wholefoods on the other hand are family friendly and safe for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Synthetic vitamins are often included in foods and supplements so that the product can boast certain health benefits and stand out from competitor products. But just because the nutrients are there, doesn't necessarily mean that your body can use them. Whenever possible, choose a healthy varied diet and supplements from wholefood sources to meet your nutritional needs.