DEAR DR. BLONZ: Please help me with an ongoing discussion: Is there a significant difference between a vitamin made synthetically and one from a natural source, if taking it as a supplement? I was also hoping you might tell me why some vitamin pills upset my stomach. -- S.F., Anderson, South Carolina
DEAR S.F.: In the case of the active vitamin substance and nothing else, the main differences between the synthetic and the natural forms are marketing and price. There is an implied greater nutritional value to anything called "natural," but when it comes to the active vitamin, our body cells cannot distinguish between the two. (Interestingly, the FDA doesn't define what the term "natural vitamin" means.)
Some products are labeled "whole-food supplements," suggesting they contain the named ingredient(s) and other elements from the whole food in which they occur, and that they are therefore superior. But the specifics remain vague: Which components are present in the product, and how much of each? How does this compare with the food itself? Evidence of a "natural" vitamin's superiority over a synthetic one is lacking, when only the active nutrient is checked. I understand the sentiment; "natural" and "whole-food" have a legitimate appeal that implies other assets. However, it is best not to overstate and oversell.
Real food, rather than supplements, should be our primary source of essential nutrients. In a plant, the substances are produced based on their genetic programming and growing conditions. These working systems evolved to sprout, grow and make the next generation while expressing an ongoing adaptation to growing conditions. Every year, there might be more or less of a given substance, depending on what that plant experienced. You get the elements designed for success from that harvest by eating the actual whole food. With supplements, there are size standardization considerations and manufacturing constraints, so there are limits to what can be done to make it whole-food "real."
The bottom line is that the idea of a "natural" vitamin is understandably attractive. But every ingredient in the product should be considered, along with how it's sourced and made. Check the website of the manufacturer you are considering to learn how the company makes its products.
As for your second question: Some individuals do experience stomach upset when taking a food supplement. It could be a reaction to the supplement ingredients or simply a physical irritation from the presence of a pill in the stomach. There can be a difference between brands, as some break apart more rapidly than others. Having a supplement with a meal might help reduce any discomfort, as the pill would mix and dissolve as part of the bulk of food in your stomach.
Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.