From Orthomolecular News:
Supplements: The Real Story - Natural or Synthetic? Foods or Tablets?
(OMNS, Jan 17, 2012) It's a nutritional "Catch 22": The public is told,
confusingly: *"Vitamins are good, but vitamin supplements are not. Only
vitamins from food will help you. So just eat a good diet. Do not take
supplements! But by the way, there is no difference between natural and
synthetic vitamins."*
Wait a minute. What's the real story here?
A recent health study reported that the risk of heart failure decreased
with increasing blood levels of vitamin C [1]. The benefit of vitamin C
(ascorbate) was highly significant. Persons with the lowest plasma levels
of ascorbate had the highest risk of heart failure, and *persons with the
highest levels of vitamin C had the lowest risk of heart failure.* This
finding confirms the knowledge derived over the last 50 years that vitamin
C is a major essential factor in cardiovascular health [2,3]. The study
raises several important questions about diet and vitamin supplements.
Was it Food or Supplements?
The report discussed vitamin C as if it were simply an indicator of how
many fruits and vegetables were consumed by the participants. Yet,
ironically, the study's results show little improvement in the risk for
heart failure from consuming fruits and vegetables. This implies that the
real factor in reducing the risk was indeed the amount of vitamin C
consumed. Moreover, the study appears to utterly ignore the widespread use
of vitamin C supplements to improve cardiovascular health. In fact, out of
four quartile groups, the quartile *with the highest plasma vitamin C had
six to ten times the rate of vitamin C supplementation* of the lowest
quartile, but this fact was not emphasized. This type of selective
attention to food sources of vitamin C, while dismissing supplements as an
important source, appears to be an attempt to marginalize the importance of
vitamin supplements.
Many medical and nutritional reports have maintained that there is little
difference between natural and synthetic vitamins. This is known to be true
for some essential nutrients. The ascorbate found in widely available
vitamin C tablets is identical to the ascorbate found in fruits and
vegetables [3]. Linus Pauling emphasized this fact, and explained how
ordinary vitamin C, inexpensively manufactured from glucose, could improve
health in many important ways [4]. Indeed, the above-mentioned study
specifically measured the plasma level of ascorbate, which was shown to be
an important factor associated with lower risk of heart failure [1, 2]. The
study did not measure blood plasma levels of the components of fruits and
vegetables. It measured vitamin C.
A known rationale for this dramatic finding is that vitamin C helps to
prevent inflammation in the arteries by several mechanisms. It is a
necessary co-factor for the synthesis of collagen, which is a major
component of arteries. Vitamin C is also an important antioxidant
throughout the body that can help to recycle other antioxidants like
vitamin E and glutathione in the artery walls [2,3]. This was underscored
by a report that *high plasma levels of vitamin C are associated with a 50%
reduction in risk for stroke* [5].
Yes, Synthetic Vitamin C is Clinically Effective
We can almost hear "Unsubscribe" links being clicked as we state it, but
here it is: synthetic vitamin C works, in real people with real illnesses.
Ascorbate's efficacy has little direct relation to food intake. A dramatic
case of this was a dairy farmer in New Zealand who was on life support with
lung whiteout, kidney failure, leukemia and swine flu [6]. He was given
100,000 mg of vitamin C daily and his life was saved. We have nothing
against oranges or other vitamin C-containing foods. Fruits and vegetables
are good for you for many, many reasons. However, you'll need to get out
your calculator to help you figure out how many oranges it would take to
get that much, and then also figure how to get a sick person to eat them
all.
It is established that liver function improves with vitamin C
supplementation, and it is equally well known that adequate levels of
vitamin C are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.
Vitamin C improves the ability of the white blood cells to fight bacteria
and viruses. OMNS has more articles expanding on this topic, available for
free access at http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml<http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=169&m=246&nl=3&s=a43bd7fffe4535e5aa12db9f46973baa&lid=1641&l=-http--orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml>.
Deficiency of vitamin C is very common. According to US Department of
Agriculture (USDA) data, [7] *nearly half of Americans do not get even the
US RDA of vitamin C*, which is a mere 90 mg.
Synthetic Vitamin E is Less Effective
For some other nutrients, there is a significant difference in efficacy
between synthetic and natural forms. Vitamin E is a crucial anti-oxidant,
but also has other functions in the body, not all well understood. It
comprises eight different biochemical forms, alpha-, beta-, delta- and
gamma tocopherols, and alpha-, beta-, delta-, and gamma-tocotrienols. All
of these forms of vitamin E are important for the body. Current knowledge
about the function of vitamin E is rapidly expanding, and each of the eight
forms of natural vitamin E is thought to have a slightly different function
in the body. For example, gamma-tocotrienol actually kills prostate cancer
stem cells better than chemotherapy does. (
http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v07n11.shtml<http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=169&m=246&nl=3&s=a43bd7fffe4535e5aa12db9f46973baa&lid=1642&l=-http--orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v07n11.shtml>)
Synthetic vitamin E is widely available and inexpensive. It is
"DL-alpha-tocopherol." Yes, it has the same antioxidant properties in test
tube experiments as does the natural "D-alpha-tocopherol" form. However,
the DL- form has only 50% of the biological efficacy, because the body
utilizes only the natural D isomer, which comprises half of the synthetic
mix [8]. Therefore, studies utilizing DL-alpha-tocopherol that do not take
this fact into account are starting with an already-halved dose that will
naturally lead to a reduction in the observed efficacy.
Then there are the esterified forms of vitamin E such as acetate or
succinate. These esterified forms, either natural or synthetic, have a
greater shelf life because the ester protects the vitamin E from being
oxidized and neutralized. When acid in the stomach cleaves the acetate or
succinate component from the original natural vitamin E molecule, the gut
can then absorb a good fraction and the body receives its antioxidant
benefit. But when esterified vitamin E acetate is applied to the skin to
prevent inflammation, it is ineffective because there is no acid present to
remove the acetate ester.
Based on USDA data [9] an astonishing *90% of Americans do not get the RDA
of vitamin E*, which is, believe it or not, under 23 IU (15mg) per day.
Magnesium Deficiency is Widespread
Magnesium is another example. *Over two-thirds of the population do not get
the RDA of magnesium*.[10] Deficiency can cause a wide variety of symptoms,
including osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma,
depression, and diabetes. Magnesium can be purchased in many forms. The
most widely available form is magnesium oxide, which is not very effective
because it is only about 5% absorbed [11]. Magnesium oxide supplements are
popular because the pills are smaller -- they contain more magnesium, but
won't help most people. Better forms of magnesium are magnesium citrate,
magnesium malate, and the best absorbed is magnesium chloride. It's always
good to consult your doctor to determine your ideal intake. Testing may
reveal unexpected deficiency. [12]
Well, Which? Natural or Synthetic?
While the natural form of vitamin E (mixed natural tocopherols and
tocotrienols) is at least twice as effective as the synthetic form, this is
not true of vitamin C. The ascorbate that the body gets from fruits and
vegetables is the same as the ascorbate in vitamin C tablets. On first
thought, this may sound confusing, because there are many so-called
"natural" forms of vitamin C widely available. But *virtually every study
that demonstrated that supplemental vitamin C fights illness used plain,
cheap, synthetic ascorbic acid*. Other forms of ascorbate, for instance,
the sodium or magnesium salt of ascorbic acid, are digested slightly
differently by the gut, but once the ascorbate molecule is absorbed from
these forms, it has identical efficacy. The advantage of these ascorbate
salts is that they are non-acidic and can be ingested or topically applied
to any part of the body without concern about irritation from acidity.
Further, it is known that essential nutrients are symbiotic, that is, they
are more effective when taken as a group in proper doses. For example,
vitamin E is more effective when taken along with vitamin C and selenium,
because each of these essential nutrients can improve the efficacy of the
others. Similarly, the B vitamins are more effective when taken together.
Readers with dosage questions will want to consult their healthcare
provider, and also look at freely available information archived at
http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml<http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=169&m=246&nl=3&s=a43bd7fffe4535e5aa12db9f46973baa&lid=1641&l=-http--orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml>.
Food Factors
Natural food factors are also important. Bioflavonoids and other vitamin
C-friendly components in fresh fruits and vegetables (sometimes called
"vitamin C complex") do indeed have health benefits. These natural
components are easily obtained from a healthy, unprocessed whole foods
diet. However, eating even a very good diet does not supply nearly enough
vitamin C to be effective against illness. A really good diet might provide
several hundred milligrams of vitamin C daily. An extreme raw food diet
might provide two or three thousand milligrams of vitamin C, but this is
not practical for most people. Supplementation, with a good diet, is.
The principle that "natural" vitamins are better than synthetic vitamins is
a widely quoted justification for actually avoiding vitamin supplements.
The argument goes, because vitamins and minerals are available from food in
their natural form, that somehow one might suppose that we are best off by
ignoring supplements. Apparently this is what the authors of the
above-mentioned study had in mind, because the report hardly mentions
vitamin supplements.
Conclusion
In the real world of today's processed food, most of us don't get all the
nutrients we need in adequate doses. *Most people are deficient in
severalof the essential nutrients
*. These deficiencies are responsible for much suffering, including heart
disease, cancer, premature aging, dementia, diabetes, and other diseases
such as eye disease, multiple sclerosis and asthma. The above-mentioned
study showing the efficacy of vitamin C in reducing heart failure is but
one of the many studies showing the value of vitamins. Others are discussed
and available at
http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml<http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=169&m=246&nl=3&s=a43bd7fffe4535e5aa12db9f46973baa&lid=1641&l=-http--orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml>.
For vitamin E, the natural form, taken in adequate doses along with a
nutritious diet, is the best medicine. However, for most vitamins,
including vitamin C, the manufactured form is identical to the natural one.
Both are biologically active and both work clinically. It all comes down to
dose. Supplements enable optimum intake; foods alone do not.
Don't be fooled: nutrient deficiency is the rule, not the exception. That's
why we need supplements. When ill, we need them even more.
---
From Dr Bate: I disagree with the above use of ascorBATE instead of
ascorbic acid, simply because the "neutral pH ascorbate forms do NOT become
neutral in the blood by mixing with high pH minerals and chelating them out
metabolically. The growing pollution of minerals, mercury in particular,
demands more of the cheapest form - ascorbic acid which all other animals
can make out of glucose as needed. We can't, so mineral and other toxins
build up in our bodies. And, even calcium in excess is a problem with
blocked arteries, and ascorbic acid takes that out. Otherwise I agree
wholeheartedly with the above.
---
From Natural News:
Vaccine warfare! Texas carpet-bombs 7,000 square miles with air-dropped
rabies vaccines
http://www.naturalnews.com/034696_rabies_vaccines_airdrop_Texas.html
---
Edible drug-tracking microchips are now set to become a reality:
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---
The AMA is now suggesting that vaccine trials should be mandatory - no
choice, no freedom!
http://www.naturalnews.com/034706_vaccine_trials_mandatory_gunpoint_medicine.html
---
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---
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http://www.naturalnews.com/034694_SOPA_PIPA_internet_censorship.html
---
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---
Pediatrician calls state trooper, child protective services on mother for
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http://www.naturalnews.com/034684_pediatricians_child_protective_services_vaccines.html
---
80% of U.S. pharma drug ingredients come from overseas:
http://www.naturalnews.com/034681_pharmaceuticals_foreign_factories_ingredients.html
---
Breast cancer tumors are filled with parabens:
http://www.naturalnews.com/034680_breast_cancer_parabens_women.html
---
New scientific study links bee deaths to pesticides
http://www.naturalnews.com/034678_honey_bees_colony_collapse_pesticides.html
---
Understand the calcium myth; here's what really makes healthy bones
Understand the calcium myth; here's what really makes healthy bones
http://www.naturalnews.com/034677_calcium_bones_vitamin_D3.html
---
GMO labeling law being introduced in Washington!
http://www.naturalnews.com/034670_GMO_labeling_Washington_State_food.html
---
Walgreens is being rocked with a lawsuit that alleges consumer fraud:
http://www.naturalnews.com/034664_Walgreens_lawsuit_fraud.html
---
Intermittent fasting (or intermittent low-carb) has been proven to be more
effective than standard dieting:
http://www.naturalnews.com/034655_intermittent_fasting_low-carb_diet.html
---
From Dr Mercola:
Proven: Kids Get Smarter Just from Doing This One Simple Thing
http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2012/01/20/physically-active-children-perform-better-academically.aspx?e_cid=20120120_FNL_art_1
---
Warning: 50 Minutes with This Daily Gadget Can Alter Your Brain and DNA
http://emf.mercola.com/sites/emf/archive/2012/01/19/health-canada-on-cell-phone-use-limitation.aspx?e_cid=20120119_DNL_art_3
---
No Matter What the FDA Says - Clear This Out of Your Fridge
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/01/18/fda-wont-act-against-agricultural-antibiotic-use.aspx?e_cid=20120118_DNL_art_1
---
As Bad as Cocaine and Amphetamines - Will Authorities Now Force This Drug
on Your Child?
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/01/18/government-to-force-adhd-drugs-to-kids.aspx?e_cid=20120118_DNL_art_2
---
Never Do This with Your Teeth - No Matter How "Safe" They Say It Is
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/01/17/fda-action-on-dental-amalgam.aspx?e_cid=20120117_DNL_art_1
---
Why Are Cell Phones Using the Wrong Safety Standards?
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---
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---
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---
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---
From Allioance for Natural Health:
Big Pharma Routinely Suppresses Data from Clinical Trials—but FDA Approves
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http://www.anh-usa.org/big-pharma-suppresses-data/
---
American Dietetic Association Speeds up its Race for Monopoly
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---
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---
From Newsmax Health:
Pneumonia Vaccine � Risky and Little Protection, Says Top Doc
Pneumonia Vaccine � Risky and Little Protection, Says Top Doc
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---
From Joe Barton:
In 1981, did the American Cancer Society drop the ball on a bonafide cancer
CURE?
https://info.hsionlineorders.net/HSIOP120113/LHSIN118/index.htm?pageNumber=1
---
Looking for non drug solutions for many health problems such as allergies
and other stress factors, ADD - Autism, Depression, Insomnia, Anxiety,
Epilepsy, Schizophrenia, PMS, Thyroid, Gout, Herpes, and much more - check
out http:/drbate.com
Also please feel free to forward this weekly newsletter on to friends or
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