Debunking the Myth of Natural Products: The Truth About Artificial Vitamin C

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The discussion centers on the debate over the efficacy of "natural" versus "artificial" vitamin C. One participant questions the validity of claims that natural vitamin C has different effects than its synthetic counterpart, despite both having the same chemical structure. They suggest that any differences may stem from the manufacturing process, where artificial vitamin C could include by-products leading to side effects, while natural sources may contain additional beneficial compounds. Another contributor clarifies that many artificial vitamin C products are less absorbent, emphasizing that the term "natural" can refer to various comparisons, such as vitamin C from fruits versus synthesized forms. They argue that natural sources often provide additional nutrients that enhance vitamin C's benefits. While acknowledging the praise for natural products, they caution that such claims can sometimes be exaggerated.
SF
I keep hearing people praise "natural" products even beyond the limits of the laws of physics!
For example, a friend of mine who studies medicine said that natural vitamin C has different effects than artificial different C (the artificial one has some side effects) even though they have the same chemical structure.
And he's going to be a freaking doctor! I'm sorry I can't remember what the specific difference was.

If there is any truth to these claims, then it must relate to the manufacturing process: artificial vitamin C may come together with other by-products that cause the side-effects, while natural vitamin C comes together with other plant stuff that might help the body.

Thoughts on this?
 
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It has nothing to do with being natural or un-natural. It is well known that many artifical vitimin C products are far less absorbant and it is well known why, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esterification" . There are no "side effect" other that less efficiency.
 
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I don't understand exactly what you mean by 'natural' products. Do you mean a comparison like extracted vitamin C tablets as opposed to 'natural' vitamin C from friuts, veggies, etc. or another comparison like organically grown veggies as opposed to chemically-treated crops?

Cause if it were the first example I gave, then it would be obvious that 'natural' is almost always better because the natural produce contains a plethora of other nutrients which complement the vitamin C content in the food.

Lots of examples can be given, but yes, I understand where you're coming from about the heaps of praise people give to 'natural' products. It might be justified, but more often than not it's just blown out of proportion.
 
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