Plant-Based vs. Synthesized Nutrients: How Do They Impact Brain Health?

There are many aspects to consider when choosing the right nootropic for your cognitive health. One example is the synthetic nutrients. There's no mystery that many prefer to avoid nootropics with anything synthetic in it. But are they correct to dismiss them from the start? And are 'plant-based' nutrients always the better option?

In reality, some of the most important factors you should consider are digestibility and potency. And some synthetic ingredients may actually have better absorption than what you would typically get from food.*

In fact, you might be surprised to hear that ‘natural’ or ‘plant-based’ is not always better when it comes to the nutrients you should look for. As usual, it comes down to science.*

First, what is a 'plant-based' or 'natural' nutrient?

Like with 'natural' foods, the FDA does not have a strict definition for the term 'natural' in the context of nootropics. That's why 'Natural' on a nootropic label can sometimes be misleading.*

A 'natural' nutrient can be sourced from a component directly from the earth, or 'naturally made' in your body through digestion. Or it could be a derivative, like Vitamin B, which starts with natural fermentation but undergoes further processing.

Typically, 'natural' nutrients are defined as those derived straight from plant matter. Yet, since nootropics obviously don't sprout from trees, the only truly natural nutrient is one directly consumed from food.

However, extracting a vitamin from its innate source is both complex and costly, often diminishing the nutrient's potency. For instance, isolating Vitamin A from Cod Liver Oil doesn't guarantee 100% of the vitamin. So, for maximum potency, Vitamin A can be 'synthesized' instead.*

What is nutrient synthesis, and how does that apply to nutrients?

Synthesis, in the context of nutrients, refers to combining compounds to produce different compounds. This isn't a purely laboratory-based phenomenon; life itself is a testament to synthesis. How? Simple. Our bodies break down and utilize the nutrients we consume from food.

When this process is replicated in a lab, the result is identical molecules that plants or our bodies naturally produce. The primary difference? The place where this transformation happens: lab vs. nature.

With some exceptions—such as Vitamin E, natural Beta-Carotene...etc—all vitamins in nootropics are predominantly synthetic. It's a scientific fact.* 

At the same time, these synthetic nutrients mirror their natural equivalents in structure and function, and that’s also a fact. To achieve high potencies, synthetic or extensively processed nutrients are essential. It's an unavoidable trade-off. Products boasting high vitamin concentrations invariably contain added synthetic vitamins.*

Debunking myths: synthesized doesn't mean fake.

Some believe that plant-sourced nutrients have an edge because of their natural derivation. Brace yourself for a revelation: Research has shown that there are advantages to both plant-based and synthetic nutrients.*^1,2

A common misbelief is that synthesized nutrients are 'artificial' or sourced from potentially harmful chemicals. Well, that's not entirely accurate.

While certain nutrients available commercially are produced in such a manner (and it's entirely justified to approach them with caution), there is a clean way to obtain synthetic nutrient forms without questionable mystery ingredients.

In truth, numerous synthesized nutrients stem from natural compounds.*

→ Take Folate, for instance. It's produced through yeast fermentation, a process akin to brewing beer or wine.

→ Similarly, the synthetic version of Vitamin K2 begins with compounds present in flowers. These compounds are meticulously reacted to mirror the molecular makeup of those found in natural foods.*

Thus, even if the process happens in a lab, the nutrients still originate from natural compounds. Their molecular structure remains the same.*

Potency and purity: who has the upper hand?

Most nutrients your brain needs occur naturally in food. But in very small quantities. Nootropics, on the other hand, are an entirely different story. In quality nootropics, nutrient concentrations far surpass what we'd find in plant-based nutrients.*³

→ Here’s another example: You would need a tablet as large as a football to achieve 500 milligrams of Vitamin C and 10 milligrams of assorted B vitamins from organic sources. Synthesized versions often have the upper hand when it comes to nutrient potency.*

The extraction processes for plant-based sources can sometimes diminish a nutrient's potency. Omega-3s, important for brain health, are prime examples where the synthesized version can maintain its potency more effectively.*

Natural isn't always safer.*

It's a common belief that 'natural' translates to 'safe.' Again, in reality, all compounds, natural or synthesized, carry the potential for adverse effects if not consumed properly.*^4,5

Plants grown in open environments are susceptible to contamination, including pesticide exposure and environmental toxins. Like all agricultural products, organic produce can also be exposed to environmental factors.*

Crafted in controlled, sterile environments, synthetic nutrients can present a cleaner, contamination-free alternative.*

Our balanced approach.

The brain network (Head [1st Brain], Heart [2nd Brain], and Gut [3rd Brain]) can be ‘demanding.’ It demands proper nutrition and a lot of energy. Plant-based and natural nutrients often lack the potency of their synthetic counterparts. And when your diet falls short, a nootropic (or another dietary product) can be a good way to achieve the daily recommended amount of nutrients for proper cognitive health. The truth is that, in some cases, synthesized nutrients might offer more consistent results.*

HCF® left no stone unturned to discover every nutrient's purest and finest forms. This involves sourcing a plant-based nutrient at times, while at other times, a synthesized version is preferred.*

Are you wondering which HCF's® nutrients are plant-derived and which are lab-produced? Take a look at some of the nutrients we use:

• Lutein—Plant-based from Tagetes Erecta (flower) extract (Marigold)
• Folate—Synthesized as Calcium salt
• Vitamin E (D-Alpha-Tocopherol)—Plant-based from Brassica Napus (seed) extract
• Zinc—Synthesized from Zinc and Glycine
• L-Glutamine—Synthesized L-Glutamine
• Free form DL-Phenylalanine—Synthesized DL-Phenylalanine
• Riboflavin—Synthesized Vitamin B2
• Omega-3—Plant-based from algae