The Benefits of Beef Supplements Over Synthetic Vitamins: An MD’s Perspective

Reviewed by Jeremie Walker, MD, MBA · November 15, 2024

A balanced human diet requires an adequate intake of essential nutrients. Macronutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, are needed in substantial amounts—measured in grams daily. Conversely, micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are necessary in much smaller quantities—typically micrograms or milligrams.¹

Vitamins and minerals play critical roles in humans. Vitamin A, for example, is vital for regulating cell and tissue growth and differentiation. B vitamins, together with enzymes, facilitate a myriad of biological reactions within the body. An imbalance—either an excess or deficiency—of these nutrients can lead to health complications.¹

Individual nutrient needs vary based on several factors: body mass and composition, energy expenditure, gender, age, digestive capabilities, and specific requirements for growth and recovery. While choosing foods to meet these needs may seem straightforward, it often requires careful consideration. In some cases, supplementing your regular diet may be necessary to ensure optimal nutrient intake.

Should You Take Dietary Supplements?

Dietary supplements can't replace a balanced and nutritious diet, but they can be a valuable addition. If your diet lacks variety or you're unable to consume enough nutrient-rich foods, supplements might be beneficial to your daily regimen.

Identifying the appropriate supplements for your health can be a complex task. However, a functional medicine approach can help. This method assesses your unique health profile, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, to determine which supplements will be most beneficial for you. Before starting supplements, it's a good idea to undergo blood work to identify any nutrient deficiencies and other potential health concerns. Opt Health offers an easy, convenient, and confidential service to assist with this.

Consider a scenario where your lab results show anemia, and perhaps supplementing with vitamin B12 or iron will be necessary. The choice of supplement is crucial. It's important to look beyond brands and consider the origin of the supplements. Are they derived from whole foods or synthesized in a lab? This distinction could influence their effectiveness. Generally, supplements sourced from natural foods are believed to provide enhanced benefits compared to their synthetic counterparts.

Understanding Nutritional Supplements: Natural vs. Synthetic

Dietary supplements are concentrated sources of essential nutrients. Examples include amino acids or proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, creatine, or herbal preparations.² They are used to support various health and performance goals. Anyone can benefit from supplements, but they are especially important for all individuals striving to round out and compliment a modern diet while optimizing their health.

There are two main types of supplements: natural and synthetic.

Natural supplements are derived from whole food sources, such as our pastured friends, cows. Most parts of the animal can be harvested, concentrated without denaturing the nutrients, and then isolated into supplement form. To maintain the integrity of the final product, manufacturers should implement stringent quality control measures.
Synthetic supplements are created in a lab through chemical processes. The desired nutrient is synthesized, isolated, and then incorporated into a supplement. Similar to high quality natural supplements, synthetic versions should undergo testing to verify their purity, potency, and safety.²

Some evidence suggests that bioavailability—the proportion of a nutrient that is absorbed and utilized by the body—tends to be higher in supplements of natural origin. This may be attributed to the complex mixtures of compounds present in natural supplements, which can work synergistically to enhance health benefits.³

Synthetic supplements closely resemble nutrients found in whole foods, but may not achieve the same level of efficacy, bioavailability, and purity, and they could potentially lead to side effects.²

Most Nutrient-Dense Supplements in the World: Beef Organ Supplements

When it comes to natural supplements, beef organ supplements are often highlighted due to their nutrient density. Beef and its organ meat, are both powerhouses of essential nutrients.⁴

Organ meats—such as liver and kidneys—are especially rich in vital compounds, often containing much higher levels of certain micronutrients than muscle meat.⁵ These nutrients are highly bioavailable and can contain many critical supporting nutrients like cofactors and biopeptides that we still are learning more about every day.

Key Nutrients Found in Beef Supplements

Beef supplements, including organs and other structural components of the cow, are naturally sourced, contain many of the same essential nutrients found in beef itself. These include protein, iron, zinc, selenium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, thiamin, phosphorus, pantothenate, magnesium, potassium, creatine, and carnitine, among others.^4,6,7

The role of meat, and especially red meat, as a source of protein is well established. Beef protein is considered "complete" because it contains all “essential” amino acids—those that humans must obtain through their diet—with a high bioavailability compared to plant alternatives. Adequate protein intake is essential for optimal growth and development.⁷

Iron is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Iron found in beef organs and its meat is in a form that the body can absorb more readily. The highly bioavailable “heme” iron from meat also aids the absorption of “non-heme” iron found in plant foods.⁴ While both sources are important in nature, heme iron is more efficiently absorbed by the body.* Predictably, research comparing vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets has found a higher rate of iron deficiency among vegetarians.¹² This highlights the importance of consuming enough sources of heme iron, for example, beef and other animal products.

Iron deficiency is a good case study of the efficacy of natural supplements to address nutrient deficiencies. Low iron levels cause a reduction in hemoglobin (the O₂-carrying portion of red blood cells), resulting in anemia. The global burden of anemia is significant, and the majority cases are caused by iron deficiency. The condition disproportionately affects women of reproductive age, young children, and populations in low- and middle-income regions.¹¹

A case study

Anemia can cause many non-specific symptoms, such as low energy levels, inability to concentrate, or lightheadedness. Correcting anemia is especially critical for those who need surgery. This is exactly what happened to one of Opt Health's team members, L. Fitzgerald.

After using different synthetic supplements with limited success, L. Fitzgerald was advised to bolster her nutrition with an organ blend supplement. She achieved a remarkable increase in hemoglobin levels and was eventually cleared for surgery. She also reported feeling better, with more energy, mental clarity, and focus.

* The difference at the chemical level is that heme iron is bound to a heme group, which is a larger molecule found in hemoglobin and myoglobin (oxygen-carrying proteins in the blood and muscle). This structure allows heme iron to be readily absorbed in the intestine because it's recognized as part of hemoglobin and myoglobin from animal proteins. Non-heme iron, on the other hand, is dependent on other nutrients for its absorption.

What Are the Health Benefits of Beef Organ Supplements?

Beef organ supplements can support several aspects of your health:

Overall health, vitality, and energy
Weight loss
Gut health
Bone and joint health
Skin, hair, and nails
Immunity
Exercise, strength, and recovery
Sleep and focus
Hormonal balance
Reproductive and sexual health
Blood health

Safety and Efficacy of Supplements

The safety and efficacy of dietary supplements are critical concerns for consumers and are perceived to be regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Supplement manufacturers and distributors “are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of the FDA.” But this does not mean the FDA inspects supplements before reaching the market. .⁸ Only after concerns are raised, the FDA will take action against adulterated or misbranded products after they reach the market.^8,9 Therefore, to bolster consumer confidence, manufacturers may voluntarily engage in additional quality assurance practices such as internal and third-party testing.

To highlight this point, a study evaluating sports supplements found that of 57 products tested, 40% did not contain the advertised ingredient.¹⁰ And for those that did, the amount varied greatly, from barely detectable to several times the amount on the label. Only 11% delivered what the label stated. This underscores a crucial message for consumers: not all supplements are created equal.

Natural supplements are often regarded as more effective than synthetic ones due to their higher nutrient concentrations, synergistic molecular combinations, and greater bioavailability.³ According to a comparative overview of studies, animal meat and organs are the main natural sources of vitamin B-12 (65% bioavailable), vitamin A (74% bioavailable), biotin (89%), folate (67%), niacin (67%), pantothenic acid (80%), riboflavin (61%), thiamin (82%), and vitamin B-6 (83%).³

How to Recognize High-Quality Supplements?

Navigating the world of dietary supplements can be challenging, but here are some guidelines you may consider:

Find a reputable brand and manufacturer. Go for established companies with good reviews and customer feedback. Make sure they are transparent about their manufacturing process.
Testing must be independent. Look for evidence that a third-party independent laboratory evaluates the purity, potency, and efficacy of all products.
Labels should be detailed. All ingredients should be listed in their specific form.
Go for high-quality ingredients. Your supplement of choice should be made with high-quality, naturally derived, highly bioavailable nutrients.
Avoid additives. There should be minimal or no additives, fillers, preservatives, or artificial colors. Check if there are any allergens like gluten, soy, dairy, or nuts.
There should be scientific research behind health claims. Health benefit claims should be evidence-based. Are they endorsed by a healthcare professional? This may be a good sign.

Opt Health’s Take on Supplements + Recommendations

Both natural and synthetic supplements come with advantages and disadvantages. At Opt Health, we lean towards natural supplements for their potential to provide a more comprehensive nutrient profile with enhanced bioavailability.

Natural supplements must come from high-quality raw materials and go through a rigorous manufacturing process. Do some research to select a high-quality supplement and always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your diet.

Seeking medical advice tailored to your needs? Opt Health is your gateway to expert clinical guidance. Our process begins with a detailed evaluation of your current health, initiated by a convenient blood test that can be conducted at home or a nearby lab. We assess various biomarkers to identify any nutrient shortfalls and offer customized supplement recommendations. Rest assured, your results will be delivered promptly and discreetly, followed by a virtual consultation with one of our physicians.

For quality beef organ meat supplements, our top recommendation is always Heart & Soil. The company was created by Dr. Paul Saladino, a renowned physician passionate about the health benefits of a meat-based diet. All of Heart & Soil’s supplements undergo rigorous testing and certification by Informed Sport, ensuring their quality and safety.

Heart & Soil prides itself on ethically sourcing beef organs from regenerative farms where animals roam freely. Different product formulations support overall health, exercise performance and recovery, gut health, digestive issues, immunity and allergy, bone and joint health, fat burning, hormonal balance and reproductive health, female health, hair, skin and nails, stress management, mood, energy, sleep, and many other health concerns. Take a moment to explore Heart & Soil offerings here.

References

1. Awuchi C, Victory I, Ikechukwu A, Echeta C. Health Benefits of Micronutrients (Vitamins and Minerals) and their Associated Deficiency Diseases: A Systematic Review. Int J Food Sci. 2020;3:1-32. doi:10.47604/ijf.1024

2. Tirla A, Islam F, Islam MR, Ioana Vicas S, Cavalu S. New Insight and Future Perspectives on Nutraceuticals for Improving Sports Performance of Combat Players: Focus on Natural Supplements, Importance and Advantages over Synthetic Ones. Appl Sci. 2022;12(17):8611. doi:10.3390/app12178611

3. Chungchunlam SMS, Moughan PJ. Comparative bioavailability of vitamins in human foods sourced from animals and plants. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023;0(0):1-36. doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2241541

4. Nutritional Qualities of Beef. Beef Cattle Research Council. Accessed June 12, 2024. https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/nutritional-qualities-of-beef/

5. Jarzyńska G, Falandysz J. Selenium and 17 other largely essential and toxic metals in muscle and organ meats of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) — Consequences to human health. Environ Int. 2011;37(5):882-888. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2011.02.017

6. Williams P. Nutritional composition of red meat. Nutr Diet. 2007;64(s4):S113-S119. doi:10.1111/j.1747-0080.2007.00197.x

7. Pereira PM de CC, Vicente AF dos RB. Meat nutritional composition and nutritive role in the human diet. Meat Sci. 2013;93(3):586-592. doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2012.09.018

8. Dietary Supplements. U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Published February 16, 2024. Accessed June 12, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements

9. Gunter, J. Supplement Roulette: The Shocking Truth About What's Really in Your Products. The Vajenda, July 2023. https://vajenda.substack.com/p/supplement-roulette. Accessed June 17, 2024.

10. Cohen PA, Avula B, Katragunta K, Travis JC, Khan I. Presence and Quantity of Botanical Ingredients With Purported Performance-Enhancing Properties in Sports Supplements. JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Jul 3;6(7):e2323879. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.23879.

11. GBD 2021 Anaemia Collaborators. Prevalence, years lived with disability, and trends in anemia burden by severity and cause, 1990-2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet Haematol 2023; 10:e713.

12. Pawlak R, Berger J, Hines I. Iron Status of Vegetarian Adults: A Review of Literature. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2018;12(6):486.