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Natural Vitamins
A significant
number of the vitamins you will find on the pharmacy
shelves these days are made synthetically through
chemical processes, rather than derived directly
from plants or other materials, although some
manufacturers still produce natural vitamins. In
fact, manufacturers of natural vitamins and some of
their adherents claim they are superior to synthetic
vitamins. Is there any substance in these claims?
It is rather difficult to make the distinction
between "synthetic" and "natural" vitamins. Some
define a natural vitamin as a concentrated nutrient
derived from a quality natural source. The idea is
maximum retention of the natural material; no
artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives
should be used.
A natural source contains co-factors that come with
the nutrient in nature. For instance, some
co-factors that are usually found with Vitamin C are
various bioflavonoids. It is concentrated from its
natural source as carefully as possible. No extreme
heat, pressure, or possibly toxic solvents are used.
There are no sugar or chemical tablet coatings. The
nutrients are prepared from high quality raw
ingredients. No artificial chemicals are added.
Harsh binders and fillers do not hinder absorption.
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