Studies On Synthetic Vitamins Versus Natural Vitamins

Important differences exist between natural and synthetic vitamins. For example, studies show that vitamin C and E function better in your body in a natural state than in synthetic form. A primary difference between natural and synthetic vitamins is that synthetic vitamins do not contain the cofactors, enzymes and organic activators found in natural vitamin sources. You should speak to a medical professional prior to taking either a natural or synthetic vitamin product.

Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E

A 1994 study that appeared in "The New England Journal of Medicine" gave 29,000 smokers synthetic beta-carotene and synthetic vitamin E. The study aimed to evaluate the cancer-protective properties of these vitamins. After ten years of taking the synthetic beta-carotene, participants had an 18 percent higher rate of lung cancer and more heart attacks than the group of participants given the placebo. Men taking the synthetic vitamin E had more strokes then participants given the placebo. The study also found that participants who regularly ate fruits and vegetables containing these nutrients showed greater protection against cancer, stroke and heart disease than participants who did not regularly consume natural sources of these vitamins.

Vitamin A

In November 1995, "The New England Journal of Medicine" published a study in which 22,748 pregnant women were given synthetic vitamin A. After four years, researchers had to cancel the study because of a 240 percent increase in birth defects in babies of women given 10,000 international units daily of synthetic vitamin A and a 400 percent increase in birth defects in babies of women taking 20,000 international units daily of synthetic vitamin A. The study also concluded that eating natural sources of vitamin A does not cause these increased birth defect rates because natural sources do not come in large doses like synthetic vitamin sources.

Vitamin C

In March of 2000, Reuters Health reported a study of men taking 500 milligrams of synthetic vitamin C each day. After 18 months, the study found that these men had a 250 percent increase in the inner lining of the carotid artery. This thickening of the blood vessel is an accurate measurement for the progression of atherosclerosis, which causes strokes and heart attacks. Natural vitamin C, however, does not increase the risk for atherosclerosis, according to this study.

Precautions

A study from 2008 published in "Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice," explained how supplementation with some synthetic vitamins may cause more harm than good. Specifically, the study found that vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamins from the B complex can cause harm in their synthetic forms. However, the study also found that these same vitamins in their natural forms do not pose the same harmful effects.