Is Your Vitamin C Real or Fake? 3 Ways To Spot The Difference

In today's health-conscious world, supplements have become a staple in many people's daily routines. However, a startling fact that many consumers are unaware of is that approximately 95% of supplements on the market are synthetic or contain synthetic vitamins. This is particularly concerning when it comes to a crucial nutrient like vitamin C. Most of those little capsules and tablets you pop are more Frankenstein than fresh fruit. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating (and slightly horrifying) world of synthetic vitamin C. Spoiler alert: it involves genetically modified corn syrup and, wait for it, nail polish remover. But don’t worry, unlike our competitors, our products (and vitamins) are derived from food-sourced ingredients, ensuring that you receive all the natural benefits without the risks associated with synthetic alternatives. Scroll down for 3 ways to spot the difference

The Not-So-Sweet Truth About Synthetic Vitamin C

If you are looking for a health boost or seeking to build up your collagen reserves, vitamin C is the most critical nutrient you can reach for - supporting a variety of both wellness and beauty goals. However the majority of supplements or vitamin jars dont seek this powerhouse nutrient out in nature, instead its synthetically manufactured in offshore factories. 

Picture this: you’re in a lab, surrounded by bubbling beakers and the unmistakable smell of acetone (yes, the stuff in nail polish remover). This is where the magic—or rather, the madness—of synthetic vitamin C happens. They start with genetically modified corn syrup. Delicious, right? This syrup is converted into glucose, fermented into sorbitol, and then oxidized to produce ascorbic acid. But it’s not over yet! Acetone is applied to strip out the vitamin C. So, what you get is a substance that looks like vitamin C but is about as natural as a plastic plant.

Here’s the kicker: this synthetic stuff is missing a key player—factor K. Factor K is like the secret sauce in natural vitamin C, packed with beauty and health benefits. Without it, synthetic vitamin C is just an empty promise. This is because factor K plays a key role in both the bioavailability and efficacy of vitamin C in the body.

Why Vitamin C is Your Body’s Best Friend

Vitamin C isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential. It’s a superhero antioxidant, a collagen-production powerhouse, and an immune system booster all rolled into one.

Collagen Production: Keeping You Together, Literally

Collagen is like the scaffolding for your skin, bones, and connective tissues. Think of it as the secret behind your youthful glow and the spring in your step. Vitamin C is crucial for making collagen. Without it, your skin gets saggy, your joints get creaky, and your overall health takes a nosedive. If you are looking for a collagen supplement (whether vegan, marine of bovine) that doesn't include vitamin C, then I suggest you run for the hills as it won't be able to boost your collagen levels.

Antioxidant Properties: Your Body’s Shield

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it helps fight off those nasty free radicals. Free radicals are like the villains in your body’s superhero saga—they cause damage, speed up ageing, and can lead to diseases like cancer and heart disease. Vitamin C swoops in to neutralise these baddies, keeping you healthy and youthful.It does this across your body as well as your skin.

Immune Support: The Ultimate Bodyguard

Vitamin C boosts your immune system by revving up the production and function of white blood cells. These are your body’s first line of defense against infections. So, when flu season rolls around, you want vitamin C on your team.

Natural vs. Synthetic: The Showdown

Given how powerful vitamin C is for overall wellness and anti-ageing, you’d want the best version, right? Enter natural vitamin C. Unlike its synthetic counterpart, natural vitamin C contains not only ascorbic acid but also a complex of bioflavonoids, enzymes, and co-factors that work synergistically to enhance its absorption and utilization in the body. This holistic composition ensures that the body receives the full spectrum of benefits associated with vitamin C. It’s like getting a gourmet meal instead of a fast-food burger.

The Superiority of Food-Sourced Supplements

Our supplements stand out because they are derived from whole food sources, providing natural vitamin C in its complete form. This approach ensures that all the beneficial components, including factor K, are present, enhancing the efficacy and health benefits of the vitamin. We source our vitamin C from whole foods like raspberries, strawberries, camu camu and other superfoods. This means you get all the goodness nature intended, including that elusive factor K. 

This has a tremendous impact on bioavailability which means an acceleration in visible results, not to mention overall health and wellness benefits. In addition, its also much safer than its synthetic alternative and better for the environment as it removes the need for factory-based and industrial processing.

The Beauty and Health Benefits of Natural Vitamin C

Factor K and all those co-factors in natural vitamin C don’t just make it effective; they lead to improved skin health, better collagen production, and stronger immune support.

Glowing Skin: Fountain of Youth in a Bottle

Natural vitamin C boosts collagen production, reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. It helps heal wounds and zaps blemishes. Plus, its antioxidant power protects your skin from the sun and pollution. Who needs expensive creams when you’ve got nature’s best?

Overall Health: More Than Just a Pretty Face

Beyond beauty, natural vitamin C supports overall health by strengthening the immune system, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and promoting cardiovascular health. It helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels, improves blood flow, and supports the repair and maintenance of all body tissues.

How to tell if your Vitamin C is real or fake:

1. Check the Ingredient List
• Look for whole food sources: If the label mentions ingredients like acerola cherry, rose hips, or camu camu, you're on the right track. These are natural sources of vitamin C.  
• Beware of ascorbic acid: This is the scientific name for synthetic vitamin C. If it's the only ingredient listed, it's likely synthetic.
2. Consider the Form:
• Pills, gummies and liquids: These are almost always synthetically produced and the majority will contain synthetic vitamin C
• Powders: These are typically less processed, and usually contain food-sourced vitamin C.
3. Trust Reputable Brands:
• Research: Look for brands that prioritize natural ingredients and transparency. Many companies will clearly state if their vitamin C is natural but it may be harder to see if its synthetic (most brands won't say this directly).
• Certifications: Some certifications, like organic or non-GMO, can provide additional assurance of the supplement's quality.

Make the Switch and Feel the Difference

 We are incredibly proud of our food sourced supplements which are not only safer for you and better for the environment but deliver enhanced results due to superior bioavailability. Our star-seller, Vegan Collagen, contains 100% of your daily vitamin C requirement and is perfect if you are looking to;

• Build collagen across your body for skin, hair, nails or joints
• See a visible difference in your skin within a matter of weeks
• Boost energy levels and overall vitality
• Protect against free radical damage 
• Boost your antioxidant intake for anti-ageing benefits