Nature's Own Synthetic Vitamins

Yes, Nature does produce vitamins by chemical synthesis; and thus these are literally "synthetic" vitamins: "Carotenoids are colorful fat-soluble pigments that are synthesized in nature by photosynthetic microorganisms." Components of variation in serum carotenoid concentrations: the Polyp Prevention Trial M R Forman, C B Borkowf, M M Cantwell, S Steck, A Schatzkin, P S Albert and E Lanza Eur J Clin Nutr 63: 763-770; advance online publication, April 16, 2008; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2008.26

Cleveland Clinic makes untrue statement regarding natural vs synthetic vitamins

On August 17, 2006 I submitted this request to the Cleveland Clinic for a correction to its web site, specifically regarding their claim that "There is no difference between natural vitamins and synthetic vitamins". My reference relates to a known difference between natural and synthetic vitamin E (to date, no correction has been made): On your web page (http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/0900/0955.asp?index=5429 regarding Diet, Exercise, Stress, and the Immune System) you make a false statement that "There is no difference between natural vitamins and synthetic vitamins." On the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements website (http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamine.asp) they clearly state that "The synthetic form is only half as active as the natural form [4]. [4} U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2004. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 16-1. Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page, http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp Please correct this error.