As a nation, we eat poor quality foods that have been stripped of nutrients. To get the nutrition that we need, we often turn to vitamins and supplements. We are often misguided at drug stores by the labeling of different vitamins and supplements that claim to be "all natural". The safest and most effective form of supplements and vitamins are those that are whole-food.
A whole-food supplement is one comprised of foods (not extracts, but entire foods) that have been concentrated into supplemental form. These natural sources contain 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.
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. Synthetic vitamins are made in a laboratory setting from coal tar derivatives. No co-factors are present. Taking these synthetic isolated vitamins can run the risk of biochemical imbalances and toxicity. Whole foods contain vitamins and minerals in a balanced form, which allows them to work together for better absorption and balance.
The human body has evolved for thousands of years to digest foods found in nature. Most synthetically produced vitamins and supplements are chemical compounds that cannot be found in nature. They also contain various chemical fillers and coatings that, over time, can create significant health problems. Whole-food supplements contain phytonutrients which are the important nutrients found in plants that are necessary to maintain a healthy body. They may serve as antioxidants; support a healthy immune response; and support cell-to-cell communication.
The healthier choice when it comes to vitamins and supplements are those that are made of whole-foods. Our office carries a line of whole-food supplements produced by Standard Process. These vitamin supplements are digested and absorbed more efficiently in the body. One of the many whole-food supplements that we carry from Standard Process is a multivitamin named Catalyn. Catalyn contains vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients from approximately 15 different whole food sources. Catalyn has many benefits including the maintaining of cellular health, healthier skin, a healthier heart, and better metabolism.
