Natural v Synthetic Flashcards
(9 cards)
What do supplement labels indicate about vitamins?
They show the chemical form, e.g., retinol palmitate (Vitamin A), benfotiamine (B1), methylcobalamin (B12), cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), and natural (“d-”) vs synthetic (“dl-”) forms of Vitamin E.
What does the ‘dl-‘ prefix in vitamin names indicate?
It indicates a synthetic form of the vitamin.
How do natural vitamins compare to synthetic ones in terms of retention in the body?
Natural vitamins tend to stay longer and have better bowel tolerance, while synthetic ones are often rapidly excreted.
When might synthetic vitamins be preferable?
For specific goals like detoxification (e.g., synthetic vitamin C) or when higher doses are needed due to poor diet or health conditions.
Why is methylfolate not considered a natural vitamin despite being bioavailable?
Because methylfolate is produced in the body or lab, not found naturally in plants.
What are some reasons to choose synthetic supplements over food-based ones?
When people have high nutritional needs or sensitivities to food fillers like gluten or nightshades.
What is the naturopathic philosophy towards supplementation?
To use whole, unadulterated botanicals and phytonutrient-rich foods combined with vitamins and minerals, avoiding preservatives, fillers, GMOs, and irradiation.
Why is benfotiamine sometimes restricted in use?
It is not legal in all countries, so check local regulations before recommending it.
How can you tell if a vitamin C supplement is from a natural food source?
The label may list ingredients like acerola cherry powder, indicating a natural source with bioflavonoids.
