The Battle of the Vitamins:Natural vs. Synthetic

When it comes to nutrition, natural, whole foods are always top dog. Sourcing vitamins and minerals from food, rather than synthetic options, is always a better option for several reasons. One of the most important points to note is the fact that synthetic vitamins possess only one component out of a whole family of micro-nutrients that would naturally accompany them in their pure state. 

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what Isobel Jennings, Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Cambridge University, has to say on the matter:

“Synthetic vitamins may be identical with naturally occurring substances or closely related. The close relations, although useful in many ways, pose some problems in that they may have only a fraction, whether large or small, of the biological activity of the natural products,” she explains. “Synthetic vitamins may perform some of the functions of their natural counterparts while being useless for others. But what may be more important is the fact that synthetic vitamins, prepared from chemicals instead of nature, are frequently less active biologically than their natural counterparts, thereby reducing any beneficial effect they may have.”

In addition to being synthetic, isolated vitamins are missing all of the naturally occurring essential synergistic co-factors and transporters that food-based vitamins possess. A synthetic vitamin can stimulate a cell’s metabolism, but it cannot upgrade or replace the cell’s components with superior, better quality elements. Instead, we end up with a degraded cell. Nature always packages vitamins in groups so vitamins can work together for better absorption within the body.

Unlike protein, carbohydrates, and fats, vitamins do not yield usable energy when broken down. Instead, their role is to assist the enzymes that release energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Though vitamins need minerals to do their job well, neither can do their work without the presence of enzymes.

Vitamins are made up of several different components - enzymes, co-enzymes, and co-factors - that must work together to produce their intended biologic effects. By using a variety of wholesome foods, Primal Pet Foods assures your pet a complete, balanced diet.

At Primal Pet Foods, we use only whole, natural foods to obtain the vitamins necessary for your pet’s optimum health. For instance, organic alfalfa leaf is high in vitamins C, D, and K. Sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamin E. Organic parsley is rich in vitamins A and C. Our different muscle and organ meats supply B-complex vitamins, including B-6, which supports energy, metabolism and cardiovascular health.

Looking for more information on all of our whole food ingredients? Check out our Ingredient Benefits Guide and then use our Store Locator to find Primal at a pet specialty retailer near you!