Written by Dr. Juan Carlos Cassano

LinkedIn Profile: Juan Carlos Cassano

In recent decades, nutritional supplements have become ubiquitous, with countless formulations promising to boost health, prevent disease, and optimize performance. Amid this sea of products, two dominant categories emerge: synthetic supplements and whole-food supplements.

Companies like Nutriest, which specialize in whole-food-derived organ supplements, emphasize a return to evolutionary nutrition, supplementing the human body with substances it inherently recognizes and utilizes.

This article examines the fundamental differences between natural and synthetic supplements, highlighting the superior safety profile and bioavailability of the latter while addressing the risks associated with synthetic compounds, especially those derived from industrial byproducts.

Defining Synthetic and Whole-Food Supplements

Synthetic supplements are chemically manufactured nutrients, typically produced through industrial processes. Often, these are isolated vitamins or minerals not derived from natural food sources but instead synthesized in laboratories, sometimes using petrochemical derivatives [1].

In contrast, whole-food supplements are derived from concentrated and minimally processed foods, such as liver, kidney, and heart, in Nutriest’s offerings. These extracts retain all the nutrients and their complex matrix of co-factors, enzymes, and phytonutrients for superior bioavailability which is essential for optimal absorption and efficacy.

Table 1. from Nikolic et al. 2015 (1).

One of the most important misconceptions of synthetic vitamins is that they are the same in chemical structure as found in our bodies, and in many cases, this is simply not true. This is best stated by Nikolic and Markovic (2015).

“Non-food vitamins should be considered as vitamin analogues (artificial imitations), and not as true whole food vitamins for humans. One of the best ways to recognize whether or not a vitamin supplement contains natural vitamins as found in food is to know the chemical differences between food and non-food vitamins (sometimes called USP vitamins). As shown in Table 3, the chemical forms of food and synthetic nutrients are normally different”.

Table 2. from Nikolic et al. 2015 (1).

Evolutionary Compatibility and Nutrient Bioavailability

Whole-food supplements offer naturally occurring nutrients in forms the human body has evolved to digest and absorb over millennia. For instance, vitamin A from beef liver appears as retinol and retinyl esters—highly bioavailable forms readily utilized by the body [2].

In contrast, synthetic vitamin A (e.g., retinyl acetate or palmitate) lacks the full spectrum of supportive compounds found in nature, which may compromise bioavailability and introduce toxicity risks at higher doses [3]. This helps explain why natural and synthetic nutrients can behave differently in the body.

Nutrients in food matrices are also better absorbed. For example, iron from beef liver (heme iron) has a superior absorption profile compared to non-heme iron salts often used in synthetic formulations [4].

This synergy is largely absent in synthetic isolates and other isolated nutrients, leading to poor utilization and often higher excretion rates than with bioavailable natural nutrients found in whole foods. Nutriest Beef Blood solves this problem, as it contains the highest and most bioavailable form of iron as heme-iron.

Safety Concerns: Contaminants and Toxicology of Synthetics

One of the most pressing concerns with synthetic supplements is the potential for contamination with heavy metals, solvents, or unwanted residues from manufacturing processes. Multiple studies have reported contamination of commercially available supplements with arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury, particularly those imported from countries with less stringent regulation [5, 6].

For example, an analysis of protein powders sold in the U.S. found that many contained detectable levels of heavy metals and bisphenol-A (BPA), raising concern about chronic exposure [7].

While not exclusive to synthetic supplements, the manufacturing processes of these products often rely on industrial chemicals, increasing the risk of such contamination.

Nutriest’s organic whey protein powder prevents these issues, as it is sourced from the pristine environments of Estonia, where the highest and most stringest agriculture regulations must be adhered to. This is a much better method than many synthetic counterparts, which are often manufactured using less transparent supply chains.

Additionally, synthetic vitamin supplements like synthetic vitamin E and folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamic acid) have been implicated in masking vitamin B12 deficiency and may lead to the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid, which is associated with cancer risk [8].

In contrast, naturally occurring folates in food are metabolized efficiently and are not linked to such concerns. Liver, kidneys and heart are the most folate-rich organs, and Nutriest’s Grass Fed Beef Organs contains all three organs, supplying much needed folate into a nutritious diet.

Petroleum Derivatives and Synthetic Origins

A lesser-known aspect of synthetic vitamin production is the reliance on petrochemical derivatives. Many synthetic B vitamins, for instance, are derived from coal tar or petroleum [9].

These processes involve harsh chemicals and chemical reactions that raise questions about their safety for human consumption. While these compounds can appear chemically identical to their natural counterparts, synthetic forms often lack the accompanying cofactors essential for optimal function.

Moreover, the processing of petroleum-based ingredients and other synthetic ingredients raises concerns regarding residual solvents and environmental pollutants.

Whole-Food Natural Supplements and Organ Extracts: The Nutriest Approach

Nutriest’s products exemplify the whole-food supplement model by using desiccated organ extracts from pasture-raised animals. The gut flora as a forgotten organ., and spleen are among the most nutrient-dense foods available, offering a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, peptides, organic substances, and coenzymes in a natural matrix [10].

For example, liver is one of the richest sources of vitamin A, B12, iron, natural vitamin E, choline, and other essential vitamins and nutrients that are often difficult to obtain from synthetic supplements in their fully active and bioavailable forms [10].

Furthermore, because these extracts are merely food in concentrated form, they align with the body’s evolutionary expectations, reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions and improving nutrient uptake [10,11].

Scientific Evidence Supporting Organ Supplements

Organ meats have long been revered in traditional cultures for their health-promoting properties [10]. Modern studies confirm the benefits of these organs in areas related to disease prevention, nutrient deficiencies and overall metabolic health:

  • Liver: High in retinol, cobalamin, and iron, vitamin D, and vitamin C  (also known as ascorbic acid), liver supports vision, cognitive function, bone health, and erythropoiesis [12].
  • Kidney: Contains selenium, zinc, and bioactive peptides that may support immune modulation and detoxification [13].
  • Heart: Rich in Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and amino acids, which plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function and cardiovascular health [10,14].
  • Spleen: Offers peptides and minerals similar to those found in high-quality mineral supplements that may aid immune system balance and red blood cell turnover [15], and may also provide anti inflammatory properties.

Unlike synthetic multivitamins, which isolate and sometimes overconcentrate essential nutrients, whole-food supplements like Nutriest organ extracts deliver a harmonious nutrient matrix of vitamins and minerals that reflects nature’s blueprint.

Regulatory Oversight and Quality Control

Another advantage of whole-food supplement companies that prioritize quality (such as Nutriest) is transparency and traceability. Ethically sourced animal products from well-regulated countries minimize the risk of contamination and ensure that the animals were not exposed to synthetic hormones or antibiotics. This level of control is difficult to achieve with mass-produced organic foods that often rely on broader supply chains.

This contrasts with poorly regulated synthetic supplement markets where quality control can be inconsistent. A 2015 study revealed that nearly 80% of herbal supplements tested from various retailers contained either no trace of the labelled herb or were adulterated with cheap fillers, and this is particularly true of North American herbal products [16].

Concluding Thoughts

The divergence between synthetic and whole-food supplements represents a fundamental difference in how we approach nutrition. Synthetic supplements, while convenient and cheap to produce, lack the complexity and safety profile of food-based nutrients. They are simply not the same. Their petrochemical origins, potential contamination, and poor bioavailability pose legitimate concerns for long-term health.

Whole-food supplements, such as those provided by Nutriest, offer a safer, more effective alternative by aligning with our biological evolution and supporting long-term health benefits.

These products deliver nutrients in their complete, synergistic form—as nature intended—and come with reduced risk associated with synthetic processing. Most important is to eat a food diet rich in whole foods to provide as many macro and micronutrients as possible, and to supplement with organic vitamins and food-based dietary supplements like those of Nutriest, that don’t rely on synthetic additives.

Food-based supplements and extracts should be your first choice of supplementation, rather than relying on synthetic alternatives that claim the same benefits. Steps to take to ensure that a certain supplement is a good choice are the following: Ensure the supplement is as close as possible to its natural form.

That the utmost care has been taken in all phases of its production, from growing its ingredients to manufacturing, testing for potency and quality control, and selecting companies with a long track record of providing high-quality products, such as Nutriest.

In an age increasingly concerned with holistic health, transparency, and sustainability, the whole-food supplement model is not just superior—it is essential. Remember, science cannot create life; only life can create life.

About the author:

Dr. Juan Carlos Cassano is a Medical Scientist, Clinical Chemist, and seasoned Project Manager with over 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical and clinical research. He specializes in the development, evaluation, and validation of medical assays, processes, and devices—ranging from AI flow cytometry to nanomedicine. His project leadership includes work on COVID-19 immune response, cancer screening (4DLifetest™), and drug delivery systems with Vifor Pharma. Dr. Cassano holds a PhD in Biochemistry and is the holder of U.S. Patent 7,560,226 for a novel assay technique. He is also an active industry collaborator and writer at Golden Era Bookworm.\

 

References

  1. Nikolic, G. and Markovic, D. (2015). Misconceptions about nutritional supplements and modern diseases. Hrana u zdravlju i bolesti, znanstveno-stručni časopis za nutricionizam i dijetetiku (2015) 4 (1) 34-47. https://hrcak.srce.hr/file/216298#:~:text=Most%20vitamins%20in%20supplements%20are,process%20them%20(Table%202).
  2. Haskell, M. J. (2012). The challenge to reach nutritional adequacy for vitamin A:beta-carotene bioavailability and conversion—evidence in humans. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 96(5), 1193S-1203S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23053560/
  3. Penniston, K. L., & Tanumihardjo, S. A. (2006). The acute and chronic toxic effects of vitamin A. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 83(2), 191-201. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16469975/
  4. Moustarah, F. and Dalye, S.F. (2024). Dietary Iron. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540969/.
  5. Saper, R. B., et al. (2008). Lead, mercury, and arsenic in US- and Indian-manufactured ayurvedic medicines sold via the Internet. JAMA, 300(8), 915-923. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18728265/
  6. Ernst, E. (2002). Heavy metals in traditional Indian medicines. Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 57(12): 891-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11936709/
  7. Clean Label Project (2018). Contaminants in protein powders.
  8. Mason, J.B. et al (2008). Folic acid fortification and cancer risk. Lancet, 371(9621):1335-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18424321/
  9. McCann, J. C., & Ames, B. N. (2009). Vitamin K, an example of triage theory: is micronutrient inadequacy linked to diseases of aging? The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 90(4), 889-907. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19692494/
  10. Latoch, A. et al (2024). Edible offal as a valuable source of nutrients in the diet – a review.  Nutrients, 16(11):1609. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11174546/
  11. Price, W. A. (1939). Nutrition and Physical Degeneration. Paul B. Hoeber, Inc.
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  15. Zhao, J., et al. (2015). Functional role of spleen-derived peptides. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 69, 278-284.
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