In recent weeks, Vitanatur has started advertising on television. An advertisement starring Santi Millán, in which he convinces us that this vitamin complex is what we need to keep the immune system strong. But is it true that it works? Do we really need a vitamin supplement to be healthier?
Before spending all your money on any supplement, it is best to know its components and the possible health benefits. It may not be necessary to consume it or you should not even do it for a long time.
Types of vitamin complexes Vitanatur
Although in advertising he only announces one of his products, in his official website we have found four different ranges. Below we delve into each of them to find out if they are necessary in our day to day.
Beauty range: Collagen Antiaging
This is a food supplement based on collagen, hyaluronic acid and other active ingredients. We find it in vials to drink directly and flavored with red fruits. The brand ensures that its ingredients contribute to the good condition of the skin, help the normal regeneration of the skin and may have an anti-aging action.
The ingredients of this vitamin complex are: «Water, hydrolyzed collagen, concentrated apple juice, acidulant (lactic acid), aroma, preservatives (potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate), grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera L.), L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, sweetener (sucralose ), zinc oxide, dye (E-120), sodium selenite«.
Specifically, in a daily dose (1 vial of 60 ml) we obtain:
- Peptan hydrolyzed collagen: 10 grams
- Hyaluronic acid: 25mg
- Grape seed extract: 50mg
- Vitamin C: 40 mg
- Zinc: 5 mg
- Selenium: 27 μg
Taking a diet rich in fruit, fish and vegetables, in addition to enjoying a good rest and physical exercise; none of these vitamins are needed in supplements. The collagen Hydrolyzed peptan is indicated to promote intake, although you can obtain this mineral by eating foods of animal and dairy origin.
As to hyaluronic acid, many vegetables and tubers are capable of providing us with the adequate dose. You can find it in potatoes, sweet potatoes or green leafy vegetables. The same happens with the extract of grape seeds, zinc and vitamin C. They are micronutrients that we easily find in any balanced and Mediterranean diet.
Joint range: Joint Wellness
Vitanatur created this food supplement, in a tablet version, with a unique formula on the market for joint recovery. Or so they say. They ensure that its ingredients serve for the formation of connective tissue and antioxidant action.
This supplement is made up of: «Vegetable glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bulking agent (microcrystalline cellulose), egg inner membrane powder, calcium L-ascorbate, glazing agents (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc), sodium hyaluronate, zinc citrate, DL-acetate alpha-tocopheryl, manganese gluconate, anti-caking agent (silicon dioxide), selenomethionine, cupric gluconate, color (titanium dioxide)«.
The instructions for taking recommend taking four pills a day, 2 in the morning and 2 at noon for 3 months.
Also, you should know that the Glucosamine sulfate It is a natural substance that our body creates. Specifically, it is present in the fluid that surrounds the joints. That is why Vitanatur takes the opportunity to claim its benefits in the joints. However, science has not found much evidence that it really has a revealing effect. There is little evidence that it improves joint pain in any part of the body.
Intestinal flora range: Symbiotics G
Vitanatur Symbiotics G is a combination of prebiotics, probiotics and group B vitamins that the brand ensures helps maintain the balance of the intestinal flora. It seems to be a combination of probiotics and prebiotics.
Its ingredients are: "Corn starch, inulin (13.8%), maltodextrins, vegetable proteins, lactic bacteria 1×109 CFU/g, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) (1.2%), enzymes (amylases), group B vitamins (nicotinamide, calcium D-pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin sodium 5'-phosphate, thiamine hydrochloride, pteroylmonoglutamic acid, D-biotin, cyanocobalamin), natural flavor (vanilla), manganese sulfate«.
It is striking that a supplement of probiotics and prebiotics has as a second and third ingredient a type of sugar. If you really want to improve your gut flora, opt for natural foods like dairy, kombucha, or kefir.
Range for the nervous system: Equilibrium
In this case, the company presents it as a food supplement based on saffron, rhodiola, tryptophan, chromium, magnesium and B vitamins. They claim that it improves emotional balance, achieving a good mood and reducing stress.
It is composed of: "stabilizers (microcrystalline cellulose), rhodiola extract (Rhodiola rosea L.) (17%), saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) (15%), L- tryptophan (8%), magnesium oxide, anti-caking agents (dicalcium phosphate ), stabilizer (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), nicotinamide (vitamin B3), calcium D-pantothenate (vitamin B5), stabilizer (magnesium stearate), anti-caking agent (silicon dioxide), glazing agents (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, carbon dioxide titanium), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), chromium picolinate (chromium), pteroylmonoglutamic acid (vitamin B9), D-biotin (vitamin B8), cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12)«.
It is the same one that Santi Millán advertises. Even he himself mentions the importance of the saffron is present in this vitamin complex, although the reality is that it only contains 15% extract. Something to keep in mind is also the incompatibility with antidepressants due to its tryptophan content. In addition, it cannot be consumed by pregnant women, nor by those who suffer from kidney failure.
Does Vitanatur work? Health benefits and risks
If you consider starting with some type of food supplement, it is best to ask your GP. Through some blood tests, he will assess whether the use of vitamins is recommended for a limited time. Otherwise, if you decide to do it on your own, it may be the case that you suffer hypervitaminosis. This occurs when we overexpose our body to an excess of vitamins and minerals. In addition, the body is capable of absorbing only a limited amount. Consuming more will not make us enjoy better health.
Another negative point is the expense of money. Each box costs about 10€, and they can make us dependent on their use, as well as neglect our diet. Thinking that taking a couple of pills a day can improve our joints can be dangerous. Especially if we maintain unhealthy habits and only rely on a vitamin supplement.
There may be benefits in specific cases, but the origin lies in a bad or poor diet. If you eat a balanced diet, it would be difficult to have a vitamin and mineral deficiency. In addition, rest and daily physical exercise is essential to enjoy complete good health.