Natural v. Synthetic .. BIG DIFFERENCE
Sometimes people who are seriously interested in quality vitamins ask what the difference is between natural and synthetic vitamins.   Years ago, many chemists argued that there is no difference because the molecules looked the same under a microscope.   Actually the natural and synthetic molecules do look the same, but the atoms are placed in different relationships to each other and this is called stereo-isomerism. This is why the same molecules, whether from a natural or synthetic vitamin, will look identical to each other and yet will act differently in the body.

The difference between natural and synthetic Vitamin E gives us a good example. Some nutrients will have two forms. Alpha tocopherol acetate is one such nutrient and is one of many forms of Vitamin E. On a vitamin label the synthetic form is revealed when the ingredient is listed as dl-alpha tocopherol acetate, which is the synthetic molecule, and it is less effective. The d-alpha tocopherol is the natural molecule and is recognized by nutritional scientists to be at least twice as effective as it’s dl counterpart.

Another example of stereo-isomerism is when a molecule is labeled “cis” or “trans.” One example of the difference that this can make is in some fatty acids. Cis-fatty acids are good for you. Trans-fatty acids lead to heart disease.

These existence of stereoisomerism is important in research, and if overlooked may explain why we hear of contradictory result in some nutritional studies. Which stereo-isomer is used can affect the outcome of the study. For example, if a study is conducted to determine whether Vitamin E prevents a particular disease, its validity is questionable if the dl-form is used. The different stereo-isomers can mean the difference between health and illness.

Almost all of the Vitamins present us with at least two forms, whose molecules look identical under a microscope, but are actually stereo-isomers. The actions in the body of the food based vitamin have almost always proved to be more beneficial than the synthetic vitamin.

Without getting too complicated we should also be aware that some molecules have many forms, not just two, and each form may have different properties.

• I’m looking at a vitamin in the health food store that says it is natural.”

• “I’ve been told that a vitamin is a vitamin and to just get the cheapest brand.”

• What should I look for when selecting a multi-vitamin product?

• How can I know that the vitamin I take or am looking at meets the minimum standards but also insures that it is in a form that can be used by the body, and that the nutrients are all bio-available?

• I’ve been told that I should use a liquid vitamin in order to get the best absorption.  Is this true?

• How much difference is there really in what nutrients are needed for women vs for men?

• Every company says that theirs is the best, how can I know if that is just hype?