WHY IS NATURAL SUPPLEMENTATION BETTER?
Natural supplements are often considered better than synthetic supplements for several reasons. Bioavailability: Natural supplements are typically more bioavailable than synthetic supplements, meaning they are easier for the body to absorb and use. This is because natural supplements are typically in a form that is more similar to the form that is found in whole foods so your body knows what to do with it. They contain all the co-factors to help your body absorb it. Synthetic supplements, on the other hand, are often in a form that is not readily absorbed by the body. Synthetic supplements often require the body to take co-factors needed to absorb it out of other tissues and cells, potentially causing deficiencies of those co-factors in the body. Synergy: Natural supplements often contain a complex mix of nutrients and other compounds that work together synergistically to provide health benefits. This is because natural supplements are derived from whole foods, which contain a complex mix of nutrients and other compounds that work together to support health. Synthetic supplements, on the other hand, typically only contain isolated nutrients. Safety: Natural supplements are often considered safer than synthetic supplements because they are derived from natural sources and are less likely to cause adverse reactions. Synthetic supplements, on the other hand, can sometimes cause adverse reactions, especially if taken in large doses. Nutrient content: Natural supplements often contain a wider range of nutrients than synthetic supplements. This is because natural supplements are typically derived from whole foods, which contain a wide range of nutrients and other beneficial compounds. Synthetic supplements, on the other hand, often only contain isolated nutrients. Jacobs Jr., D. R., & Tapsell, L. C. (2009). Food synergy: An operational concept for understanding nutrition. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89(5), 1543S-1548S. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2009.26736B Dwyer, J. T. (2018). Dietary supplements: Regulatory challenges and research resources. The Journal of Nutrition, 148(suppl_2), 499S-505S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxy027 Greger, M., Lanou, A. J., Barnard, N. D., & Sarter, B. (2015). Comparative effectiveness of plant-based diets for weight loss: A randomized controlled trial of five different diets. Nutrition Journal, 14(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-015-0008-4