Health

The Power of Food-Based Supplements: Why Nature Outperforms Synthetics

Written by

Phoebe Hart

Food-Based Supplements: Why Nature Knows Best

In an era where convenience often surpasses quality, the supplement industry has become saturated with synthetic formulations promising optimal health. Yet, when it comes to true nourishment, there is no substitute for nature’s design.

In this journal, we delve into the science behind food-based supplementation, highlighting the key differences between synthetic and naturally derived nutrients. We explore how FRTIL’s range of carefully sourced, food-based supplements delivers essential vitamins and minerals in their most absorbable and effective forms. By understanding the impact of nutrient bioavailability and synergy, we can make more informed choices that support our long-term health and well-being.

Food-Based Supplements vs. Synthetic Supplements

The Problem with Synthetic Supplements

Synthetic vitamins and minerals are often isolated compounds created in a lab, designed to mimic the natural nutrients found in food. However, research suggests that these isolated forms lack the essential cofactors, enzymes, and phytonutrients that enable optimal absorption and utilisation by the body.

For example, synthetic vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is commonly used in commercial supplements, yet it is only one component of the vitamin C complex. In contrast, vitamin C derived from food, like that found in acerola cherries, contains a spectrum of bioflavonoids and cofactors that enhance its effectiveness within the body. Similarly, synthetic B vitamins can be poorly absorbed and may even accumulate in excess, whereas B vitamins from whole foods come in a balanced matrix that the body recognises and utilises efficiently.

Why Food-Based Supplements Matter

The human body evolved to extract nutrients from food, not from synthetic isolates. Food-based supplements contain the full spectrum of nutrients necessary for absorption, making them inherently superior to synthetic alternatives. They work synergistically within the body, enhancing bioavailability, reducing the risk of toxicity, and providing long-term support for health and longevity.

FRTIL - Hana's choice of food-based supplements

FRTIL is a brand that is dedicated to restoring nutritional integrity by formulating food-based supplements sourced from pristine environments. Each product is carefully designed to deliver nutrients in their most natural and bioavailable form—ensuring that the body receives what it needs, exactly as nature intended.


Food-based supplements, like those crafted by FRTIL, offer a bioavailable, nutrient-dense alternative that aligns with the body's innate wisdom—providing the foundation for sustained vitality and resilience.

 

The FRTIL Range

Beef Liver

Nature’s most potent multivitamin, FRTIL’s Beef Liver supplement is sourced from 100% grass-fed, grass-finished, pasture-raised New Zealand cattle. Rich in bioavailable iron, vitamin A, B12, choline, and essential minerals, beef liver supports energy production, cognitive function, and overall vitality. Unlike synthetic iron supplements, which can cause digestive discomfort and poor absorption, heme iron from beef liver is easily utilised by the body without unwanted side effects.

Oyster (Zn)

Zinc is critical for immune function, hormone balance, and cellular repair, yet most synthetic zinc supplements come in forms like zinc oxide or zinc sulfate, which are poorly absorbed. FRTIL’s Oyster (Zn) harnesses the unparalleled bioavailability of New Zealand freeze-dried oysters, providing not only zinc but also selenium, iodine, and taurine—essential co-factors that optimise its effectiveness.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant known for its profound impact on the immune system, collagen synthesis, and overall longevity. FRTIL vitamin C is a food-based form of vitamin C sourced from organic acerola cherry, one of the richest natural sources of ascorbic acid. Unlike its synthetic counterparts, acerola cherry contains numerous micronutrients and phytochemicals, delivering health benefits that extend beyond ascorbic acid.

Shilajit

A revered adaptogen, FRTIL’s Shilajit is a purified resin rich in fulvic acid, trace minerals, and antioxidants. Unlike mass-produced shilajit, which is often contaminated or diluted, FRTIL’s sourcing ensures purity and potency. This ancient remedy enhances mitochondrial function, energy production, and cellular regeneration—providing deep, foundational support for modern lifestyles.

The modern supplement industry is dominated by synthetic formulations that often fall short in delivering real, lasting health benefits. Food-based supplements, like those offered by FRTIL, bridge the gap between traditional nutrition and modern wellness, ensuring that essential nutrients are delivered in their most bioavailable and effective forms. By choosing food-based sources over synthetic alternatives, we nourish our bodies in alignment with nature’s wisdom, supporting not just short-term health but long-term vitality. Investing in food-based supplementation is an investment in our well-being, allowing us to thrive with the nutrients nature intended.