Vitamins, Naturally.Updated 8 days ago

Vitamins, naturally.

In today’s fast-paced world, dietary supplements like our own line store shelves promise everything from improved immunity to radiant skin and increased energy. While claims like these can be tempting, there’s evidence—and a strong case—for attempting to obtain your vitamins the old-fashioned way… from whole, natural foods. Here are some fantastic reasons why nature’s version of vitamins may be better for your body than anything made in a lab.

1. Food-Based Vitamins Are More Bioavailable

I know, a science term, bleh. However, bioavailability refers to how efficiently the body absorbs and uses a nutrient, and it is an essential concept. Vitamins in whole foods are often more bioavailable because they contain natural phytochemicals like enzymes, cofactors, and other compounds that aid absorption. Consider Vitamin C; an orange comes with bioflavonoids and fiber, which can enhance its uptake and utilization. Synthetic versions often miss these compounding elements.

2. Whole Foods Offer What’s Referred to as “Nutrient Synergy”

Vitamins don’t work by themselves. Nature pairs them with minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that have been shown to support and enhance each other’s functions. This idea, known as “nutrient synergy”, is difficult to replicate in pill form. Spinach doesn’t just give you vitamin K—it also provides necessary minerals and B Vitamins like folate, iron, magnesium, and dozens of other beneficial micronutrients that interact with your body.

3. Reduced the Risk of Overdose or Imbalance

A risk often associated with supplementation is accidentally taking too much of a particular nutrient, leading to dangerous, toxic levels or potential nutrient imbalances. For example, too much synthetic vitamin A can be harmful, whereas it's almost impossible to overdose on vitamin A from food sources like carrots, sweet potatoes, and pears. Your body can naturally self-regulate better when vitamins come from whole foods.

4. Increasing Health for the Long-Term

Studies consistently show that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is associated with fewer chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Conversely, research on supplementation has shown this effect to be mixed at best. In some instances, too much of specific vitamins in pill form has been linked to adverse health events and outcomes. Evidence suggests that whole foods, not isolated nutrients, can drive long-term health and improve overall wellness.

5. Food Has What Science Hasn’t Dreamed of Yet

Scientists have identified many essential vitamins and minerals, but whole foods contain other compounds we are only beginning to understand in the thousands. We have likely yet to discover beneficial substances in your afternoon salad or apple snack that you will have difficulty finding in bottle form, and they may not even have names yet!

6. Obtaining Vitamins from Whole Foods = Healthier Eating Habits

Supplementation is meant to be exactly that, supplemental to your diet. By relying on supplements, you may fall into a “nutrition insurance” state of mind -- potentially making you skip the veggies because you take a multivitamin. But building your diet around whole, nutrient-dense food can promote a healthier lifestyle and encourage better eating patterns for a lifetime. This, in turn, creates appreciation for real, wholesome food.

Food for Thought:

There’s a time and place for supplements (obviously, we make them!)—certain medical conditions, stages of life, or dietary restrictions may require them. However, for most people, nature can provide everything you need through a balanced, whole diet. Choosing whole foods means you’re reaching your RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of vitamins AND getting them in a form your body prefers. In addition, they arrive in the form of a rich nutritional tapestry that no pill can replicate.

So next time you reach for your gummy multi-vitamin, consider reaching for a handful of nuts, some berries, or even a leafy, green salad instead. Your body will thank you, and you will be on your way to a healthier, more optimized you!