Supplement Forms Flashcards
(11 cards)
What does the term ‘natural’ on supplement labels often mean?
It can mean only about 10% of the product is natural, with the rest synthetic.
How can synthetic nutrients be incorporated into ‘natural’ supplements?
They can be biochemically incorporated into food matrices like yeast or algae.
Why is it hard to know if a vitamin is from whole foods or synthetic isolates?
Labelling laws are limited, making it difficult to distinguish between them.
What ingredient clue suggests a vitamin C supplement is from a natural source?
The presence of acerola cherry powder on the label.
How does the body respond differently to natural nutrients vs synthetic isolates?
The body recognizes natural nutrients with co-factors better than synthetic isolates.
Are food-state or food-grown supplements the same as whole foods?
No, they are not whole foods themselves but are thought to be better absorbed.
What are natural source supplements? Give examples.
Nutrients from vegetable, animal, or mineral sources, e.g., vitamin D from fish liver oil, vitamin E from vegetable oils.
What defines synthetic supplements?
Manufactured nutrients with identical molecular structures to natural ones, e.g., synthetic vitamin C.
What are food-cultured supplements?
Nutrients grown inside yeast or algae that concentrate nutrients in a whole food complex.
How are food-based supplements made?
By mixing isolated nutrients into a food base, not grown at a cellular level but metabolically similar to food-cultured forms.
What are some drawbacks of food-based supplements?
Low potency, fluctuating nutrient levels, and limited shelf life due to degradation.
