Today’s supplement market is flooded with promises—“high potency,” “immune-boosting,” “organic”—but how do you know what you’re really putting in your body?
The truth is in the label.
Learning how to read supplement labels and spot the difference between natural and synthetic ingredients can protect your health—and your wallet.
Natural vs. Synthetic: What’s the Difference?
✅ Natural Supplements
- Derived directly from plants, herbs, or whole foods
- Nutrients are in their bioavailable form, meaning your body recognizes and absorbs them more efficiently
- Often come with co-factors like enzymes, trace minerals, and antioxidants that improve absorption and function
Example: Imsyser’s Chaya Capsules contain whole-leaf plant powder, not isolated extracts or lab-made compounds.
Synthetic Supplements
- Produced in a lab using isolated or artificial compounds
- May mimic the chemical structure of vitamins or minerals, but lack co-nutrients found in food
- Can be harder to absorb, and in some cases, stress the liver or kidneys
Common misnomers on labels such as to name but a few:
- dl-alpha tocopherol (synthetic Vitamin E)
- Ascorbic acid (synthetic Vitamin C)
- Cyanocobalamin (synthetic B12)
What to Look for on the Label
1. Source of Ingredients
- Look for whole plant names (e.g., Camellia sinensis, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius)
- Avoid vague terms like “proprietary blend” without ingredient breakdown
2. Form of the Nutrient
- Prefer natural forms:
- Vitamin C as “baobab”, “acerola cherry” or “camu camu”
- B12 as methylcobalamin (natural) over cyanocobalamin
- Magnesium as magnesium chloride (natural mineral salt form dead sea source), not oxide (poorly absorbed)
3. Additives & Fillers
- Avoid:
- Artificial colors
- Titanium dioxide
- Magnesium stearate (controversial in large amounts)
- Choose:
- Minimal, plant-based binders or none at all
- Clean, preservative-free formulations
Why Choose Natural Supplements?
Your body evolved to recognize food-based nutrition. Natural supplements may cost a bit more, but they:
- Are more bioavailable
- Tend to be gentler on the system; less toxin mimicking
- Deliver long-term wellness benefits—not just quick fixes
Imsyser products are proudly natural, non-GMO, preservative-free, and formulated for whole-body balance—not symptom suppression.
✅ Quick Label-Reading Checklist:
| Label Element | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Source | Real plant names, not just chemical compounds |
| Form | Bioavailable forms (e.g., methylcobalamin, magnesium chloride) |
| Additives | Free from artificial colors, sweeteners, or binders |
| Certification | Organic, Non-GMO, GMP-compliant, where possible |
| Transparency | Full ingredient list, no vague “blends” |
Just because a supplement is sold in a health shop doesn’t mean it’s clean, natural, or effective.
Educating yourself is the first step to empowered health. Choose brands that put purity, transparency, and whole-food healing first—like Imsyser.
Visit www.imsyser.co.za or call 086 010 3859 for expert guidance on our 100% natural, family-safe supplements.