Comments on: The Dangers of Synthetic Vitamins

By: Toby

Toby — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:32:27 +0000

Hmm, that’s debatable. The CSPI, who Patricia point in #10 above, don’t agree:
http://www.cspinet.org/nah/4_00/multiqa.htm#arenatural

Though if you’re still certain you need natural vitamin E, there are dozens of choices at Vitacost or your local market.

By: Dr. Carlos Gonzalez

Dr. Carlos Gonzalez — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:48:33 +0000

I have been using Standard Process vitamins, mineral, digestive enzymes and more from this comapny for about fifteen years now. They organically grow all the whole foods (not genetcially engineered) used to make their products. They are NOT MLM so their prices do not reflect those of most all MLM companies. They also have an herb line of products and a Veterinary Line for pets! Awesome company with awesome products at awesome prices. Unfortunately only available through Naturopaths, Chiropractors etc.

By: Terri

Terri — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:48:53 +0000

Most people don’t realize that Consumer Labs is an ad and contribution site, it is not independent or unbiased to their non contributors or those who don’t pay their advertising costs. Their press releases are to generate traffic and hopefully new accounts. don’t let the name fool you, they are not government or science related, they are for profit. It sad that great companies with excellent products get horrible reviews if you don’t pay them off.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:03:01 +0000

This is why I only use Shaklee vitamins. They are only third party tested – mostly from hospitals and universities and ALL research information is published – good or bad. They have NEVER had a recall and have been around for more than 50 years. No heavy metals whatsoever in their stuff! ALL their supplements come only from real food and are absorbed in your body within 30 minutes. My friend went to have a mammogram recently and you aren’t suppossed to take calcium beforehand. Not thinking, she did, and the radiologist was shocked to find out that one hour later, all had been absorbed. They said that never happens! I give them to my 17 month old and he has only been sick once with a very mild runny nose. They are great and have kept our family so well!

By: Carrie

Carrie — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 01:36:51 +0000

My gosh! I take vitamins every day and it never occurred to me to check to see if they are synthetic (almost funny since I read the labels on everything)! Ugh! I thought I was doing my body a favor!

By: Laura Miller

Laura Miller — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:07:52 +0000

There is much confusion about “synthetic” versus “natural” vitamins. The better question is: Is the resulting molecular structure the same as the corresponding structure found in nature? When the synthetic molecule is identical to the form derived from natural sources, both forms will be indistinguishable from each other in all aspects, even their function and effects in the human body. For instance, the d- form of vitamin E derived from vegetable oils is different from the dl- form (the synthetic form) which does not confer any known health benefit and is normally excreted by the body. Go for the better known products from reliable manufacturers, such as Multivescence. http://www.newvitality.com/shop/multivescence.aspx

By: Shena

Shena — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 01:53:54 +0000

I am pregnant and looking for a good prenatal vitamin. Any ideas?

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:07:47 +0000

Patricia,

The issue is not organics or the “natural” label that can mean nothing. The issue is synthetic (man made in a lab) versus whole foods. I don’t need any studies to tell me which is the better option. The issue does not stress me in the least as I am sure my kids are getting adequate nutrition without supplements. This article is for parents feeding their kids Flintstones vitamins and thinking they are encouraging health and nutrition.

By: Cindi Overfield

Cindi Overfield — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:43:45 +0000

I only purchase vitamins for my family from the health food store and non of them are synthetic. When we went “natural” the vitamins were the first thing we changed. I don’t give my kids vitamins every day. I try and make sure they eat well and only give supplements when they are sick or their diets are not up to par.

Great Article!
Cindi

By: Patricia

Patricia — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:07:03 +0000

Tiffany, I enjoy your blog, but I found this post somewhat lacking in scientific support (controlled scientific studies – NOT those funded by companies selling “natural” supplements at astronomical prices; it can be really hard to dig up reliable information, given the lack of regulation in the supplement industry). I would commend readers to check out the June 2008 issue of the Center for Science in the Public Interest’s “Nutrition Action” newsletter. I myself use Rainbow Light vitamins currently, but I’m not entirely confident in that decision, given the research I have done so far (and what I learned as a food science major in college). My point is just that its a very complicated issue, and paying $30+ for a bottle of “natural” or “organic” supplements does not mean one is getting safe, adequate supplementation. Incidentally, “Nutrition Action” May 2008 has a very handy guide to food additives and what is known about their safety.

Thanks,
Patricia