The word “Natural” on a label can mean many things.  It is definitely a time to remember the phrase, “buyer beware.” Legally, the label can say “natural,” and it doesn’t necessarily mean that the vitamin in the bottle is actually from food.  In fact, the words “all natural” are rarely true.

Companies may legally call a vitamin “natural” if only 15% of the vitamin in a tablet is from a natural source, and some companies routinely make their vitamins in this manner.  Also, on occasion, even when a company is trying to be all natural, the demand for a natural source for a given vitamin may be greater than available supply.  In this case many companies combine a synthetic source with the natural source.

As a consumer it is difficult, if not impossible to find out whether some of the content is synthetic.  Therefore, it is important that the partially synthetic vitamin be as “biologically available” as the natural vitamin.  “Biologically available” means that the body can absorb the vitamin to nourish the cells.  It is expensive to test and prove that a supplement is “Biologically available.”

While most food supplement companies do not test to be sure that they meet that standard, some do, even though there is absolutely no requirement to use biologically available ingredients. Learning about the company is therefore important. You also want to know if the company has simply contracted with a vitamin manufacturer who makes its vitamins for them.

Companies who just contract with a manufacturer will design their own label and claim product superiority!  There are only few vitamin manufacturers in the United States who produce vitamins for almost all of the Health Store or private label brands.  (If you are curious about this, Google for Private Label Vitamin Manufacturers and you’ll see the businesses that manufacture for other companies.) The only unique thing about many brands is the label on the bottle.

And remember, they only need to have  up to 15%  from a natural source. Find a, company that develops it’s own food based products, tests to establish bioavailability and also makes sure that their supplements are manufactured to their own standards. Trust in the company is important.

• “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?

• Why do I care if my multi or other vitamins are natural 100% or partially  synthetic?