Our bodies need essential vitamins to function well. While we can get them from both natural and synthetic sources, the natural vs. synthetic vitamins debate highlights some key differences.
What Are Natural Vitamins?
Natural vitamins come from whole foods and include helpful co-nutrients, making them easier for your body to absorb. These vitamins are often considered a better choice for overall health because of their bioavailability.
What Are Synthetic Vitamins?
Synthetic vitamins are artificially produced in laboratories. They’re typically made through chemical processes or fermentation. Though they can help prevent deficiencies, synthetic vitamins may lack the co-nutrients present in natural sources, affecting their absorption.
What Is Pyridoxine Hydrochloride?
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a synthetic form of vitamin B6 used in supplements and fortified foods, essential for metabolism, brain function, and immune health.
Is Pyridoxine Hydrochloride Synthetic or Natural?
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a synthetic form of vitamin B6, created in labs for use in supplements due to its stability and cost-effectiveness, though its absorption may differ from natural sources.
Is Pyridoxine Hydrochloride Bad for You?
While pyridoxine hydrochloride is generally considered safe, high doses can lead to nerve damage and other side effects. Some people may also have difficulty converting synthetic B6 into its active form, leading to potential deficiencies despite supplementation. Opting for natural sources of vitamin B6 or plant-based supplements and vitamins can be a better choice.
Thiamine Mononitrate vs. Natural Thiamine
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is essential for energy production and nerve function. Thiamine mononitrate is a synthetic form commonly found in processed foods and supplements. Natural sources of thiamine include whole grains, nuts, and legumes. While both forms can prevent deficiencies, natural thiamine is more easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
How Synthetic B Vitamins Are Made (Especially Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)
Synthetic B vitamins, including pyridoxine hydrochloride, are often produced through chemical synthesis using petroleum derivatives, genetically modified bacteria, or fermentation processes. This allows for mass production at a lower cost, but it can also result in vitamins that are not as bioavailable as their natural counterparts.
Common Names for Synthetic B Vitamins
Here are some common synthetic B vitamin names:
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Pyridoxine hydrochloride (synthetic B6)
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Thiamine mononitrate (synthetic B1)
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Riboflavin-5-phosphate (synthetic B2)
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Folic acid (synthetic B9)
Natural vs. Synthetic Vitamins
Vitamin A
Natural Vitamin A– Vitamin A from food appears as beta-carotene, which the body safely converts as needed—helping prevent vitamin A toxicity from excess intake.
Synthetic Vitamin A– Synthetic vitamin A (retinyl palmitate or acetate) is made from fish or palm oil and beta-ionone. Its production raises concerns like deforestation and chemical use..
Vitamin B1
Natural Vitamin B1– Thiamin, or vitamin B1, is a water soluble vitamin created by plants and bound to phosphate. Digestion releases the thiamin using specialized enzymes that target phosphate.
Synthetic Vitamin B1– Thiamine mononitrate and hydrochloride are synthetic forms made from coal tar and chemicals. They're less absorbable, crystalline, and may cause buildup in the body.
Vitamin B2
Natural Vitamin B2– Riboflavin is easily absorbed, stays in the blood stream for long periods of time, and is readily used by the body in many important enzymes.
Synthetic Vitamin B2– Synthetic riboflavin is made with acetic acid, nitrogen, or genetically modified bacteria. It’s less absorbable and quickly expelled in urine.
Vitamin B3
Natural Vitamin B3– Niacinamide or nicotinamide is what we find in food and commonly call niacin. Niacin can have side effects, but these are minimal when coming from plant foods.
Synthetic Vitamin B3– Nicotinic acid is created using coal tar, ammonia, acids, 3-cyanopyridine, and formaldehyde. It is less absorbable and has more risks of side effects.
Vitamin B5
Natural Vitamin B5– Pantothenate is the natural version of this essential B vitamin.
Synthetic Vitamin B5– Pantothenic acid involves isobutyraldehyde and formaldehyde to form a calcium or sodium salt. The alcohol derivative, panthenol, is sometimes used as it is more stable and lasts longer on store shelves.
Vitamin B6
Natural Vitamin B6– Pyridoxine in plants is bound with phosphate as pyridoxal-phosphate, the active form. Other B6 forms must be converted to this before the body can use it.
Synthetic Vitamin B6– Pyridoxine hydrochloride, derived from petroleum and chemicals, isn't easily absorbed and can hinder natural B6's action, causing side effects not found in food sources.
Vitamin B7
Natural Vitamin B7– Biotin is involved in cell growth, fat production, and metabolism.
Synthetic Vitamin B7– Synthetic B7 is produced using fumaric acid.
Vitamin B9
Natural Vitamin B9– This B vitamin exists in food as folate and is very important in the creation and repair of DNA, thus the vital importance of this vitamin before and during pregnancy.
Synthetic Vitamin B9– Folic acid, derived from petroleum and chemicals, is crystalline, not naturally found in foods, and is poorly absorbed despite being added to supplements.
Vitamin B12
Natural Vitamin B12– Cobalamin B12 is only created by micro-organisms like the bacteria that grow in soil and our intestines, as well as some micro-algae and perhaps some seaweed species.
Synthetic Vitamin B12– Cobalt and cyanide are fermented to make cyanocobalamin. That’s correct. Cyanide. It is in miniscule amounts, but it is still cyanide.
How Can I Get Enough Vitamin B6 Naturally?
If you’re looking to boost your vitamin B6 intake naturally, focus on whole foods such as:
- Bananas
- Chickpeas
- Poultry (chicken, turkey)
- Potatoes
- Sunflower seeds
Choline
Natural Choline– Choline is often grouped with B vitamins. It is combined with phosphate in nature and is important in cell membranes and keeping fat in check.
Synthetic Choline– Choline chloride or choline bitartrate is made using ethylene, ammonia, and hydrochloric acid or tartaric acid. It is not bound to phosphate.
Vitamin C
Natural Vitamin C– This vitamin is readily available in citrus, red bell peppers, berries, and many more fruits and vegetables. In nature it is combined with flavonoids and phytonutrients that help in its absorption and use.
Synthetic Vitamin C– Ascorbic acid is an isolated vitamin from genetically modified corn sugar that is hydrogenated and processed with acetone. It does not include the flavonoids and phytonutrients that make it work.
Vitamin D
Natural Vitamin D– Vitamin D3, produced by humans and lichen when exposed to sunlight, is the most effective form. Mushrooms and yeast produce D2, which is less effective.
Synthetic Vitamin D– Vitamin D3 is synthesized by irradiating animal fat, often using lanolin from sheep’s wool, to mimic natural production in the skin.
Vitamin E
Natural Vitamin E– Vitamin E consists of 8 fat-soluble compounds and acts as an antioxidant, protecting fats from oxidation. The most active form is found in grains, seeds, and their oils.
Synthetic Vitamin E– Synthetic dl-alpha tocopherol is made from refined oils, trimethylhydroquinone, and isophytol. It’s less absorbed, doesn't stay in tissues long, and is quickly expelled.
Vitamin K
Natural Vitamin K– This vitamin is important to proper blood clotting and some metabolic pathways. It is found in dark leafy greens.
Synthetic Vitamin K– Synthetic vitamin K (menadione) is made from coal tar and GMO soybean oil, and is considered toxic, potentially harming the immune system.
Vitamins should really come from food sources as much as possible. If you want a multivitamin, reach for ones that use whole food sources like holy basil, guava, and other herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
Additionally, vegan multi-v, vegan collagen, and plant-based protein powders can help support your nutrient intake if you follow a plant-based diet.
Benefits of Natural Vitamins
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Better absorption: Natural vitamins are more easily absorbed by the body.
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Rich in co-nutrients: Natural vitamins often come with beneficial nutrients that help with absorption and effectiveness.
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More balanced: Whole foods provide a broader spectrum of nutrients compared to isolated synthetic vitamins.
Are Synthetic Vitamins as Effective as Natural Ones?
While synthetic vitamins can help prevent deficiencies, they often lack the full spectrum of nutrients found in whole foods. Many synthetic vitamins are isolated compounds that do not include the natural cofactors needed for optimal absorption.
plant-based detox provides a more balanced approach by delivering vitamins in their natural state, ensuring better bioavailability.
Conclusion
The debate between natural vs. synthetic vitamins is ongoing, but one thing is clear: natural sources tend to be more bioavailable and beneficial for long-term health. While synthetic vitamins can help bridge nutritional gaps, whole foods and plant-based supplements and vitamins are often the superior choice.
By opting for Vitamin Mineral Rush in Aloe Vera Superjuice, Liquid Light, and other natural supplements, you can ensure your body receives the best possible nutrients in the most effective form. Choosing wisely can make all the difference in your overall well-being.
FAQs
What is pyridoxine hydrochloride?
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a synthetic form of vitamin B6 commonly used in supplements.
Is pyridoxine hydrochloride synthetic or natural?
It is a synthetic form of vitamin B6, created through chemical processes.
What is pyridoxine hydrochloride made from?
It is typically synthesized using petroleum derivatives or fermentation techniques.
Is pyridoxine hydrochloride bad for you?
In moderate doses, it is safe, but excessive intake can lead to nerve damage.
What is thiamine mononitrate, and is it synthetic?
Thiamine mononitrate is a synthetic form of vitamin B1, commonly added to processed foods and supplements.
What is the difference between natural and synthetic vitamin B6?
Natural B6 (P5P) is readily usable by the body, while synthetic B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) requires conversion.
Is riboflavin synthetic?
It can be either natural or synthetic. Synthetic riboflavin is produced through chemical or fermentation processes.
Are synthetic vitamins as effective as natural ones?
Synthetic vitamins can help prevent deficiencies, but natural sources are often more bioavailable and beneficial.
How can I get enough vitamin B6 naturally?
Consume foods like bananas, poultry, chickpeas, and plant-based supplements and vitamins for optimal intake. For more natural health solutions, visit Sunwarrior.
