- Natural vitamins are not made through a synthetic process in laboratories, but are derived directly from plants and other sources. These vitamins will not contain any artificial dyes, sweeteners, chemicals or preservatives. Natural vitamins are harder to find than synthetic vitamins and are more expensive. Even though a vitamin may be made with natural ingredients, they may have synthetics added to lengthen shelf life or increase potency.
- Labels can be confusing and may not provide the information needed to determine if a vitamin is natural or synthetic. Most of the nutrients and vitamins we need come in synthetic forms, so it's important to educate yourself to read labels properly. If a food source is listed, this is the natural form of the vitamin. When ingredients are hard to pronounce or are not familiar to you, they are most likely synthetic chemicals. Some common synthetics found in vitamins are Beta-Carotene, Absorbic Acid, Acetate and Calcium D.
- Children's vitamins come in many forms to make swallowing easier. Soft capsules are a popular alternative to the hard capsules that most adult vitamins take. NSI is one brand that makes natural soft gel vitamins for kids.
- There are many companies that make gummy vitamins that taste more like candy than a vitamin. The gummy texture is easier to swallow for children and the candy-like features are more attractive to kids. Gummy vitamins are made in vegan and gelatin forms. Some popular brands are Gummi King and Yummi Bears.
- Chewable vitamins often come in fun shapes, colors and flavors. Chew-A-Vit and Only Natural For Kids Only Chewable Wafers are two brands of natural chewable vitamins on the market.
