Synthetic Vitamins

Vitamin C in whole food exists within a matrix of co-factors, enzymes, bioflavonoids, and trace compounds that isolated ascorbic acid completely lacks. Synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) lacks the full tocopherol and tocotrienol family present in food-based vitamin E. Vitamin and mineral claims on cereal packaging reflect synthetic post-processing fortification, not naturally occurring nutrition. Synthetic additives in cereal provide a legal basis for nutrient density marketing claims despite having limited bioavailability. The iron added to cereal is ferric phosphate, a form not well utilized by the body. Synthetic vitamins are manufactured from raw materials including petroleum derivatives, coal tar, and industrial chemicals. High-pressure heating during cereal manufacture destroys both naturally occurring vitamins and the synthetic vitamins added before heating. The iron added to cereals is elemental iron, structurally identical to iron found in the earth and poorly bioavailable compared to food-source iron. Synthetic B vitamins added to cereal are consumed in the metabolic process of digesting the cereal itself, resulting in a net-zero or negative contribution. The body…