Organic Vitamins Vs. Manufactured Vitamins

Vitamins today come in two forms - organic vitamins (commonly referred to as natural vitamins) and manufactured vitamins (also known as synthetic vitamins). Although organic vitamins are always ideal, natural sources of vitamins are not easy to find making these vitamins extraordinarily expensive. Many health enthusiasts continue to wonder whether manufactured vitamins work as well as organic vitamins. Let us get to know more about the organic vitamins vs. manufactured vitamins debate.

The Difference Between Organic and Manufactured

What is the difference between organic and manufactured vitamins? This is a complicated question to ask, and the answer depends on what the asker wants to know. Generally, these two vitamins would only be indistinguishable if their molecular structures are similar. Chemists work doubly hard to produce manufactured vitamins that have structures and functions similar to that we see in nature. But perhaps the more important question to ask is whether manufactured vitamins, when taken into the body, will function just the same as natural vitamins and produce the same effect.

At this point, you should note that vitamins play only a small part in maintaining health. Vitamins hardly function without minerals and enzymes. Truth be told, absorption of vitamins requires a biological system that will work together to fulfill the body's nutritional needs. Therefore it is not really that important whether manufactured vitamins strictly have the same molecular form as that of the natural. What counts is its method of incorporation into this complex nutritional system.

To gain more insight, let us take a look at two of the important vitamins the body needs, and explore whether the synthetic forms readily available in pharmacies and health stores have the same function and effect in the human body.

Beta-carotene

Beta-carotene is a manufactured vitamin. The body can effectively convert vitamin A to beta-carotene and provides the body the same benefits that vitamin A does, but does it better. Beta carotene is also an excellent anti-oxidant, with its antioxidant properties exceeding that of natural vitamin A. In terms of chemical structure, vitamin A and beta carotene differs only in rotational configuration of certain bonds.

Vitamin E

Manufactured vitamin E is commonly known as d-alpha tocopherol (or dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate or acid succinate). Natural E vitamin on the other hand consists of a blend of beta, gamma, delta and alpha versions of the same molecular make-up and is thus called "mixed tocopherols." Natural vitamin E is obviously better when taken in natural form if you want to enjoy its full function and benefits.

Organic vs. Manufactured Vitamins - The Verdict

The good news is that most manufactured vitamins are identical to their natural counterparts or easily convertible in the human body. Quality manufactured supplements are far cheaper and purer, with lesser potential for contamination, making them worth buying despite being "synthetic." Of course, nothing beats intake of vitamins and minerals from healthy food choices, but in terms of options, quality manufactured vitamins and supplements are a close second.

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