What are synthetic vitamins and bio-active vitamins?
To understand the difference, it is important to know how these two types of vitamins work:
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Synthetic vitamins:
These are artificially produced in a laboratory and often have a different molecular structure than the natural form found in food. This makes them less easily absorbed by the body. -
Bio-active vitamins:
These are the natural forms of vitamins, or their active metabolites. These are directly usable by the body without having to be converted into another form first. A good example is folic acid versus folate.
Why are bio-active vitamins better?
1. Better absorption by the body
Bio-active vitamins are directly absorbed and used by your body, while synthetic variants such as folic acid, but also cyanocobalamin (the synthetic form of B12), must first be converted into an active form. This costs energy and is inefficient in many people, making the effect less effective.
For example, in 30-50% of people with an MTHFR gene mutation, the body cannot properly convert folic acid into the bio-active form (5-MTHF). This leads to a buildup of unmetabolized folic acid in the blood, which is less effective and can even have negative effects. Bio-active forms such as folate (5-MTHF) and methylcobalamin (bio-active B12) are directly absorbed and support important processes such as DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. Read the blog here for more information.
2. Higher effectiveness
Because bio-active vitamins are directly available to your body, they can do their work faster and more effectively. During pregnancy, when every process in your body is in overdrive, this direct action is of great importance.
A good example is vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate), the bio-active form of B6. This form supports the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which not only contribute to a stable mood, but also effectively reduce nausea during pregnancy. Studies show that pyridoxal-5-phosphate works much more efficiently than the synthetic form, pyridoxine.
Another example is vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), the natural and bio-active form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium, which is essential for the development of strong bones and teeth in your baby. Synthetic forms such as vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) are less well absorbed and have less effectiveness compared to D3.
3. Lower chance of side effects
One of the biggest advantages of bio-active vitamins is that they are efficiently processed by your body, which significantly reduces the risk of side effects. Synthetic vitamins, such as folic acid or cyanocobalamin (synthetic B12), can build up in the blood if they are not properly converted, which can lead to unwanted effects.
For example, synthetic folic acid cannot be fully converted to 5-MTHF in people with an MTHFR mutation. This leads to a buildup of folic acid in the blood, which according to studies can disrupt the function of the immune system (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007). Folate (5-MTHF) completely avoids this problem, because it is directly used by the body. Read the blog here for more information.
Another example is magnesium. Cheaper forms such as magnesium oxide can cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea, because they are poorly absorbed. A bio-active form such as magnesium bisglycinate, on the other hand, is absorbed faster and is better tolerated by the digestive system.
The difference for your pregnancy and baby
During pregnancy, your body undergoes major changes to optimally support you and your baby. In every phase, the right form of vitamins is essential to allow these processes to run smoothly. A multivitamin with bio-active forms of vitamins is indispensable in this regard, because it provides your body and that of your baby with the right support.
For your baby:
In the first trimester, nutrients such as bio-active folate, vitamin B6, and B12 are essential for the development of the neural tube, cell division, and the formation of red blood cells. Later in pregnancy, when your baby is growing rapidly, vitamins such as vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium play a key role in the development of strong bones, tissues, and a healthy immune system.
For you as a mother:
Your body needs more energy and nutrients to support this growth. Bio-active forms of vitamin B-complex, iron, and magnesium ensure that your body continues to function optimally. They help with increased blood production, muscle recovery, and the reduction of pregnancy discomforts such as fatigue and cramps.
Quality makes the difference:
Bio-active vitamins are directly absorbed by your body, making them more effective than synthetic variants. A multivitamin with bio-active forms gives you the assurance in every phase of pregnancy that your body and your baby get what they need, without unnecessary strain. Choose quality, because during this special period, every detail counts.
Quality is the most important thing
When it comes to your health and that of your baby, quality is not a luxury, but a necessity.
During your pregnancy, you want to leave nothing to chance, and that certainly applies to the supplements you use. Bio-active vitamins may be more expensive, but they are more than worth the price. They are directly absorbed and used by your body, without energy waste or the risk of buildup like with synthetic variants. This means optimal support for both you and your baby.
Cheaper, synthetic supplements may seem attractive, but they often deliver less because they are not properly absorbed or processed. This can lead to deficiencies that later cause health problems, such as fatigue, muscle cramps, or even less than optimal development of your baby. And that is what is truly expensive.
The higher price of bio-active supplements is due to the use of high-quality raw materials and a complex production process. But this quality makes a world of difference in how well your body is supported during this crucial phase. Choose consciously, because the health of you and your baby is priceless.
Choose consciously: Go for quality and health
At MomPwdr, we exclusively use bio-active vitamins in our supplements. We do this because we believe that you and your baby deserve the very best care. With the right dosages, formulations, and bio-active vitamins, we ensure that your body and your baby receive the optimal support in every phase of your pregnancy.
Would you like to know more about the bio-active vitamins in our supplements or how they can support your pregnancy? Feel free to contact us or view our products online!
