Most commercially available vitamins are made from synthetic substances and chemicals. Natural vitamins use fewer man made substances, but may still use materials grown using chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides. Certified organic vitamins are manufactured according to strict standards which prohibit the use of chemicals, pesticides and insecticides and must contain no synthetic ingredients.
Benefits
Vitamin supplements are designed to boost the level of vitamins in your bloodstream. Vitamins support optimal body function and good health. Natural and organic vitamins may benefit you if you are not getting the recommended amount of vitamins in your diet. Often the food we eat does not contain enough nutritional value or variety. Special diets, including weight loss, vegetarian and vegan diets, may exclude whole food groups that provide important vitamins.
Types
There are many types of natural and organic vitamins available. One of the most popular formulations is the multivitamin, which contains many different vitamins and minerals. You can buy women's multivitamins, men's multivitamins, children's multivitamins and senior's multivitamins. Other formulations group vitamins by their reputed benefit, like sleep vitamins or vitamins for joint health. Vitamins are also available in single-vitamin form, like vitamin C capsules or B group vitamins. You should consult with your doctor to choose the best formulation for you.
Identification
Always look for the certification on the label when buying natural or organic vitamins. The best certification is "100 percent USDA Certified Organic." This means that the vitamins have met strict standards for organic production set by the USDA, and contain zero synthetic material. Be wary of labels that read "made with natural ingredients" or "made with organic ingredients." These products generally contain some natural ingredients mixed with synthetic ones.
Considerations
Vitamins are best used as a supplement to a healthy, well-balanced diet. It is almost always better to get most of your vitamins from food instead of vitamin pills. If you have a healthy and varied diet you may not need vitamin supplements. It is also possible to take too many vitamins, especially vitamin A. Vitamin A overdose has been linked to a disease called Hypervitaminosis A. Do not take large doses of natural or organic vitamins unless directed by a doctor.
Misconceptions
Both natural and organic supplements can contain animal-derived ingredients. Some supplements are bound with animal-sourced gelatin, so check the ingredients if you are a vegetarian or vegan. Vitamins do not need to meet the same standard of proof as prescription medications. This means that some of the claims you see on vitamin labels--for example, that they promote sleep or anti-aging--have not been independently verified. Not everybody needs the same amount of vitamins. If you are pregnant, elderly, or use drugs and alcohol, you may have different vitamin needs than the normal recommended amount.
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