Vitamins are essential for good health, as they aid in metabolism and the biochemical processes that release energy from food. They're classified as micronutrients since the body generally needs them in smaller doses than macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and water. Vitamins work in conjunction with enzymes to allow the body's processes to be carried out as they should be.
Vitamins are classified as either soluble in water or oil. Water-soluble vitamins must be consumed on a regular basis because they can't be stored and expelled within four hours to one day. Vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins are examples of water-soluble vitamins.
Oil-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, can be stored for longer periods of time in the body's fatty tissue and liver. Both types of vitamin are essential for the body to function properly.
Synthetic Versus Natural
To ensure that your body is getting all of the essential vitamins it needs, aim to include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. For most people, this will not be enough on its own and supplements will also be necessary to reach optimum health. There are two types of supplements available: synthetic and natural.
Vitamins are created in laboratories from synthetic chemicals that mimic natural counterparts. Natural vitamins are obtained from food sources.
Although the chemical compositions of vitamins naturally found in food and those artificially created are identical, synthetic supplements only contains isolated vitamins. On the other hand, natural supplements may include other nutrients that have not been discovered yet.
This is due to the fact that these vitamins are in their natural form. If you don't get enough of a certain nutrient, synthetic supplements may help you, but you won't receive the vitamin's health benefits as found in natural foods.
Some "non-natural" supplements also include dangerous ingredients like coal tars, artificial colouring, preservatives, and other additives. So even though a supplement might be labeled as natural, that doesn't guarantee it is safe. Make sure to read the labels on any vitamin or supplement you buy, to make sure the nutrients come from food sources and not synthetic lab-created chemicals.
Protein-bonded vitamins, as found in natural whole food supplements, are better absorbed by the body than non-protein-bonded vitamins. This is because chemical-derived vitamins are not protein-bonded, whereas vitamins and minerals in food are bonded to proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and bioflavonoids.
As one of the "founding fathers" of orthomolecular medicine, Dr. Abram Hoffer emphasizes the role of nutrition in health. He explains:
"Components [of food] do not exist free in nature; nature does not lay down pure protein, pure fat, or pure carbohydrates. Their molecules are interlaced in very complex three-dimensional structures, which even now have not been fully described. Intermingled are the essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, again not free, but combined in complex molecules."
The goal of the protein-bonding process is to use a natural form of vitamins and minerals in nutritional supplements. Taking supplements with meals aids in promoting other nutrients that are required for efficient absorption.
Vitamin Source
You can find vitamin supplements either as isolated vitamins or combined with other nutrients. What you need will decide which kind of supplement to select. A program for health maintenance is distinct from one made to improve a particular disorder.
We recommend supplementing your vitamins with natural herbs. Herbs are nature's gift to us. They have been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments and they can be just as effective in treating vitamin deficiencies. Herbs are also a great way to get your vitamins without having to take synthetic supplements.
The herb Moringa is one of the most nutrient dense plants in the world. It is a great source of vitamins A, B's, C, and E. It also contains calcium, potassium, and iron. Moringa can be taken in capsule form or the leaves can be added to salads or smoothies. Another great vitamin supplement is Black Seed Oil (Cumin Oil). It is rich in thymoquinone, which is a powerful antioxidant. It also contains vitamins A, B, and C. Black Seed Oil can be taken in capsule form or added to food. Other commonly used herbs include Alfalfa, Dandelion, Ginger, Nettle, Parsley, Sage, Turmeric. These are just a few of the many herbs that can be used to supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals.
Most vitamins are sensitive to light, therefore make sure the container holding your vitamins is dark enough to keep its contents safe. Some individuals may be allergic to plastic and require vitamin tablets in glass containers. Vitamin supplements should be kept in a cool, dark location.
Source: Balch, Phyllis A. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition.” A Practical a-To-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs and Food Supplements, Penguin Books, 2010.
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