Vitamins are organic compounds that help in the body's metabolism and maintenance. Vitamins can be absorbed from numerous food sources, but are especially abundant in fruits and vegetables. However, there may still be nutrients that your body will not be able to absorb, or that you may not be getting enough of from your diet. This is why vitamin supplements are important.

There are 12 essential vitamins that our body needs to function effectively. These include Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D, E, K and folate. These vitamins have been shown to protect the body from certain illnesses, including heart disease and cancer. Lack of vitamins in the body can result in various diseases, including blindness, anemia, birth defects, bleeding disorders and bone deformities, among others. Vitamin supplements provide your body with the recommended daily amounts of essential vitamins, and help prevent the development of these diseases.

Nowadays, numerous vitamin supplements exist, available in different forms. Vitamin supplements are available in all health stores and can also be ordered online. These vitamin supplements can generally be divided into two categories: natural and synthetic. At present, there is a continuing debate regarding which kind of supplement is more beneficial to the body.

Natural vitamin supplements are vitamins extracted from natural food products and processed to create a food supplement. Meanwhile, synthetic vitamin supplements are man-made vitamins chemically processed in a laboratory.

Research has been leaning more towards natural vitamin supplements as the more beneficial product between the two categories. Studies on synthetic vitamin supplements have resulted in mixed results. Some scientists believe that taking synthetic vitamin supplements could result in numerous side effects, especially when the vitamins are taken in large amounts. This is because synthetic vitamin supplements contain numerous chemicals, which could react adversely with your body. Just as lack of vitamins results in various diseases, excessive intake of vitamins have also been known to cause a myriad of toxicities, including hypersensitivity reactions, diarrhea and bone damage, to name a few.

Recent studies have also shown that natural vitamins are better absorbed and processed by the body than their synthetic counterparts. This allows you to get the most out of your supplements, ensuring that you have adequate vitamin levels in your body.

Since natural vitamin supplements appear to be the better choice, it is best for you to find a natural supplement that can provide all these benefits.

When choosing a natural vitamin supplement, make sure that the supplement contains all 12 essential vitamins. Also, check that the supplement is really natural. Some synthetic products manipulate their advertising to make it appear that the product is natural, when in fact, it isn't. Look closely into the ingredients used in the product, and research on them. Take advantage of some websites that allows you to check up on these supplements and their contents. Finally, before taking any natural vitamin supplements, it is best to consult a qualified nutritionist or your physician first.

Don't forget that no vitamin supplement can replace a healthy, balanced diet. It is recommended that you eat a vitamin-rich diet, which can be achieved by increasing your intake of vegetables and fruits. A healthy diet, complemented by a high-quality natural vitamin supplement, can ultimately give you a stronger body and help you live a longer life.

ABSTRACT: Vitamin supplements are necessary to keep your body healthy. Natural vitamin supplements can provide you with adequate amounts of vitamins needed in your diet, without the side effects associated with its synthetic counterpart.