There are innumerable patented vitamin supplements available in the market, but what is essential to us is to be determined, after properly understanding the relevance of supplements. The first and foremost concept is that the nutritional supplements are not food and do not take the place of real food. They are only boosters to our food.
Studies have revealed that vitamins from the natural food sources are having an absorption level of 77 to 93 per cent, while supplements have only 10 per cent absorption. Similarly, the minerals through natural plant sources have absorption level up to 63 to 78 per cent, while the artificial supplements have only 1 to 5 per cent.
Liquid Vitamin
The explanation for this dissimilarity is that in nature each vitamin and mineral molecule is attached to a protein molecule. It is Dr.Gunter Blobel who proved the fact and received Nobel Prize in 1999. According to him the molecule acted as a "chaperone" that tells the body that the vitamin and minerals are not just chemicals but a food. This discovery was the KEY for our understanding of how the vitamins and minerals getting into the blood stream and into the cells.
The vitamin in supplements is in the very basic isolated form of each vitamin, completely stripped of any protein.
There are three types of supplements, liquid, tablets and capsules. The liquid supplements are inconvenient in many respects. But they are perfect for those who are having trouble in swallowing pills and for children.
Tablets are formed by mixing vitamin supplements with organic or inorganic cements and compressed into its shape. There are coated tablets also. The dosage will be one or two tablets per day.
Capsules are loosely packed gelatine containers that dissolve quickly. This is better than tablets.
Vitamin supplements must be taken with meals, unless prescribed otherwise.
In the digestive process only 10 percent of the vitamins and minerals are absorbed by the body, with the aid of enzymes; they will get attached to the protein molecule. Without these protein Chaperones, the body will not accept the vitamins and minerals, and in the process the body will absorb some of these proteins chaperones which will be filtered out, later through kidneys. That is why the urine becomes yellow after taking a vitamin supplement. Excess riboflavin makes urine yellow, and indicates that the body is rejecting the 'foreign' chemicals.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SUPPLEMENT:
Remember that only 10 pr cent of the vitamins and minerals are absorbed by our body when we take the supplements. For example, 100mg of a B vitamin is needed to provide our body with about 10mg. This is enough.
Watch BP (British Pharma copoeia) indicators on the capsules to determine the quality of vitamin isolates which are easily dissolvable in the digestive process.
Look for Chelate or Chelated in relation to the minerals. This means that the minerals are attached to the protein before they are added to the supplement to improve absorption.
Also, watch for enzymes in the formulation to ensure mineral absorption, which are essential for attaching protein molecules to vitamins in digestion.
Look for a supplement that has a food base, which is concentrated plant material to which vitamins and minerals are added. This is the best option.
The most important factor is that the supplements should suit your body. One should definitely feel a noticeable difference in your health and energy within a few days with the supplements.