Natural vs. Synthetic Supplements: Which One is Right for You?

Synthetic supplements have always invited criticism from skeptics, who are bothered about its side effects. Whereas natural supplements have been looked down upon for not bringing that balanced approach. You will always find these two concepts clashing against one another for the ideal spot.

But that doesn't solve the problem for you, as you need to rely on a supplement to get your daily dose of essentials. Natural supplements are great as they compensate for your dietary needs with naturally occurring food items. Whereas, Synthetic supplements are lab-made versions of vitamins, minerals, or nutrients, rather than being directly sourced from natural foods.

Even though both the solutions seem like viable options, as you dig deeper, you will realize they both have their own baggage. So to declare the fair winner, you have to scrutinize what they bring to the table.

Understanding Supplements

Humans invented the concept of supplements once they realized their dietary options lacked in compensating for the essential protein, vitamin and mineral intake. It brought a convenient way to bridge nutritional gaps and support overall health without relying solely on whole foods.

What Are Supplements?

Supplements come in various forms like tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids, and are known to boost your overall health and immunity. Sometimes a supplement is even consumed to address a specific deficiency or just as a safety measure to ensure a healthy body.

There are also supplements like Daily Longevity Blend by LifeFuel that are a testament to years of research and are capable of giving you the required energy boost. It can also help you with your sleep quality and even slow down the aging process.

Why Do People Take Supplements?

The reason people take supplements is simple. It is to compensate for what they have missed out in their daily diet. Apart from filling up the nutritional gaps there are various other reasons like to boost immunity, improve digestion, or support heart, brain, and joint health. Along with that, supplements are now capable of maintaining energy and helping with the overall aging process.

But as we discuss the many advantages of a supplement, it is only natural to wonder whether plant-based or natural supplements are not good enough. Do they fail to compensate for our daily needs?

Natural Supplements

Natural supplements are the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbal extracts, plant protein, and animal protein that we get from nature. It is a collection of all those essential elements that are essential to the human body. Unlike synthetic supplements, they are not processed or are restricted to certain dosages per day. They are found in nature and is what your daily meal consists of.

Types of Natural Supplements

There are various types of natural supplements that are available in nature. Every one of them adds to the nutritional quotient of your dish.

• Vitamins & Minerals: Leafy greens, fruits, seeds, and dairy
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish oil, flaxseeds, and chia seeds
• Herbal Supplements: Turmeric (for inflammation), Ashwagandha (for stress relief), etc.
• Amino Acids & Protein: Animal sources like bone or broth, egg white, pea, quinoa, etc.

Benefits Of Natural Supplements

Depending on a natural supplement is easier as it doesn't involve you fetching any external source for your daily intake. You will be able to compensate for the same in your daily diet. Moreover, as compared to synthetic supplements, it has fewer flavors and added preservatives. Along with that since they come from whole food sources, the body recognizes and absorbs them more efficiently.

Potential Drawbacks Of Natural Supplements

It is tedious to determine the correct dosage for an individual when it comes to the consumption of natural supplements. There is hardly a way that accurately guess your vitamin or mineral consumption for the given portion.

Plus, as they are naturally absorbent, it takes a much longer time for natural supplements to show their true potential.

Synthetic Supplements

A synthetic supplement is all that a natural supplement is, but it comes from a man-made source and is defined by its dosage. There are multiple sources through which you can acquire a synthetic supplement owing to the growing competition amongst the brands. They are designed to mimic the structure and function of natural nutrients, but are not as naturally absorbent.

Types of Synthetic Supplements

Synthetic supplements are created in laboratories and usually have years of research backing up their fundamental construction. They are often produced using chemical synthesis, fermentation, or bioengineering. Like its natural counterpart, it has various types and forms keeping a diverse user base.

• Synthetic Vitamins, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Retinyl Acetate (Vitamin A), Vitamin B12, Folic Acid (Synthetic Folate).
• Synthetic Minerals
• Synthetic Amino Acids & Proteins
• Synthetic Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Synthetic Antioxidants and others.

Benefits Of Synthetic Supplements

Regardless of your location, you can get a hands on your desired supplement anywhere on the planet. They are abundantly accessible and provide a budget-friendly option for individuals needing high-dose vitamins and minerals.

They come with a set of instructions for dosage separately, making sure you always consume the intended amount. It is a lifesaver, especially for people who are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free. Most importantly, it is always easier to consume a pill or powder than to plan an entire diet.

Potential Drawbacks Of Synthetic Supplements

Opting for synthetic supplements is a great choice, but it comes with its issues which can play a major deciding factor for many consumers.

• They are not naturally absorbent so it might take a while for your body to adjust to the dosage.
• Excessive intake of supplements can escalate into a major health catastrophe, which is never really a point of concern with natural supplements.
• Some synthetic vitamins and minerals can cause digestive issues, nausea, or allergic reactions.
• There are multiple brands in the market that provide the same solutions so making an informed choice becomes difficult.
• Moreover, synthetic supplements contain artificial colors, preservatives, and binding agents which can be harmful to the human body.

Key Differences Between Natural And Synthetic Supplements

The ultimate decision lies within you to decide your mode of consumption. But its always better to make an informed choice by understanding the key offerings of all the components in question.

Myths and Misconceptions About Supplements

A natural supplement might feel like a better option in the long run, but this does not take anything away from synthetic supplements.

• While natural supplements contain co-factors that aid absorption, some synthetic supplements are formulated for better stability and bioavailability.
• Synthetic supplements are only harmful if you do not follow the intended dosage. When taken in recommended doses, synthetic supplements are safe and widely used to prevent deficiencies.
• It is critical to remember that a synthetic supplement is not a replacement to a balanced diet. Supplements are meant to complement, not replace, a balanced diet.
• We need to let go of the concept that more supplements can facilitate good health. Instead, it's essential to understand our body's specific needs and take the right dosage accordingly.

Conclusion

Choosing between natural and synthetic supplements depends on individual needs, dietary preferences, and health goals. Natural supplements ensure better absorption, whereas synthetic supplements offer convenience. However, the key to good health is not about choosing one over the other but finding the right balance. The idea is to understand your body’s specific needs and consume supplements accordingly.