Better quality, absorption & efficacy than others; how do we achieve that?

At Vitl, we pride ourselves on only sourcing the best form of each nutrient in our products. We understand that real, whole food is what is most important to our health so we have chosen the highest quality form of each nutrient to complement your diet. 

We want to ensure that our supplements include nutrients in their most biologically active and most bioavailable forms, as well as combinations that work together to optimise their effect in the body; a process known as synergy. We do not use the preservatives and bulking agents that make up the majority of numerous supplements, the long term effects of which are not yet fully understood, so that you and your body can get maximum benefit.

Absorption (Bioavailability)

The term ‘bioavailability’ refers to how well a nutrient (or drug) is absorbed and used by the body. Many internal and external factors can influence this, from genetics to food processing and nutrient leaching (the leaching of nutrients from food to soil, or during cooking). We want to give your body the best chance to absorb essential vitamins and minerals by using their most ‘active’ form, to help you function at a level you should 1, 2.

Our vitamin B12, for example, is added into our supplements as methylcobalamin (identical to that which occurs naturally in animal products), rather than the synthetic form cyanocobalamin. Methylcobalamin is readily absorbed by the body which means it can have maximum effect 3.

Another good example is folic acid. There are two genes responsible for converting folate (synonym of folic acid) into an active form the body can use. Approximately, 40% of the global population is affected by a specific gene mutation which inhibits how well the body processes folic acid 4. Therefore, it is paramount that the most readily available form of folate is supplemented, namely 5- Methyltetrahydrofolate. Even those who do not have the mutation may benefit from supplementing, as only 20-50% of folate from our food is readily absorbed 5. You will find this form in all our supplements as we strive to make you feel your best. 

Likewise, we have chosen vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), derived from lichen (a cross between fungi and algae) as Vitamin D3 has been shown to be up to 87% more effective than D2. This form also makes it suitable for vegans 6, 7. 

How nutrients work together (Synergy) 

Intestinal absorption and the metabolism of a nutrient is dependent to an extent on the availability of other nutrients. Micronutrients work in conjunction with one another to optimise their effect in the body, known as ‘synergy’. Similar to our food which is made up of a range of nutrients that all work together providing benefit, our supplements are focused on ensuring that the nutrients you are taking work together in the most coordinated way. 

For example, the mineral magnesium is needed to activate vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium for the growth and maintenance of healthy bones 8.

Folate and vitamin B12 work synergistically for many physiological processes including the synthesis of DNA and red blood cells formation 9. 

Folate, vitamins B9 and B12 also work together to produce natural SAMe in the body, a molecule which supports immune function and mood 10.

Vitamin C and zinc have great synergistic effects; they support various components of the immune system to help keep us fighting fit. They are used (along with vitamin D) by our immune cells to engage in the prevention and fighting of various infections that we may come across in our busy lives 11.

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