Natural nutrients are those that are obtained from whole food sources in the diet, while synthetic nutrients are usually created artificially through an industrial process. Since most of us do not consume enough fruits and veggies in our lives, we look to vitamins and other dietary supplements to fill in the gaps.
The accepted view in the world of vitamins is that “synthetic nutrients are almost chemically identical to those found in food”1. However, the production process of synthetic nutrients is very different to the way plants and animals create them. That is why our bodies may react differently to synthetic nutrients than to organically grown ones. In other words, when we eat fruits and vegetables, we are consuming an entire range of vitamins and minerals that are naturally sourced. When we consume synthetic vitamins, we are eating single nutrients that have been purposely combined into a supplement.
Those who are proponents of synthetic vitamins argue that vitamins are simply chemicals, regardless of how they are derived. If the molecular structure is the same, then supposedly it will behave the same way in the human body.2 Even though synthetic vitamins are produced under strict regulation, the Vitamins and Nutrition Center still notes that they are “produced in a laboratory from coal-tar derivatives.”3 Those who are opposed to synthetic vitamins point out that other chemicals are sometimes used and even when found to be safe, are not naturally occurring in any foods that humans eat.4
The debate between organic supplementation vs. synthetic vitamin usage rages on, especially since the majority of vitamins found in the marketplace are synthetic and priced competitively. There is no hard proof that one is better than the other, but scientists continue to make discoveries in bioactive components — they are leaning towards food-based multivitamins as being much more likely to supply the bioavailable form of nutrients because they are made with the most natural sources.5 Scientists also note that food-based supplements often include phytonutrients that come specifically from plants and their health benefits come from synergistic combinations not available in synthetics.6
Nikken chooses organic whenever possible. Kenzen® Mega Daily 4 comes in two gluten-free formulas: one specifically geared to Women and one for Men. Both formulas are multivitamins that are far more than your typical vitamin. They’re formulated with organic vegetables that provide both water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidants. They include every type of vegetable phytonutrient derived from the entire spectrum of red, orange, yellow, tan and green vegetables. MegaDaily4The women’s formula includes a blend of green tea, dong quai and grape seed extract to address the common effects of premenstrual syndrome, menopause and other female concerns.* The men’s formula contains turmeric, green tea extract, saw palmetto and Pygmeum africanum to support a healthy prostate and male-specific nutritional concerns.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
