When it comes to supplements, you have two basic options: natural or synthetic. Both have supporters and critics, so it’s important to decide which one suits your lifestyle. The best way to make this decision is by learning more about both types of supplements.
Synthetic supplements are made in laboratories through physical or chemical processes. Natural supplements, on the other hand, come directly from nature. Although synthetic molecules are chemically similar to natural ones, industrial production differs greatly from how plants and animals create these compounds. Natural products contain more than one molecule, including minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and cofactors. These additional compounds help the body use the product more effectively. Synthetic products, however, consist of single molecules and lack these extra components, which limits how the body processes them.
Most supplements on the market are synthetic. To distinguish between natural and synthetic supplements, carefully read the label. Natural supplements list food sources, while synthetic ones often use chemical names or scientific terms.
This post, created by Eggnovo, a nutraceutical company specializing in egg membrane-based ingredients, explains natural supplements, their sources, and why eggshell membrane qualifies as one.
What are natural supplements?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) defines food supplements as concentrated sources of nutrients or substances with nutritional or physiological effects, sold in measured forms like pills, tablets, capsules, or liquids. These food supplements aim to correct nutritional deficiencies, maintain proper nutrient intake, or support specific functions. They are not intended to treat or prevent diseases. In the EU, food supplements are regulated as food. Similarly, the U.S. FDA refers to them as dietary supplements.
Types of natural health supplements
Natural health supplements include intact sources or extracts from plants, animals, algae, fungi, or lichens. Many have roots in herbalism and traditional medicine. However, not all natural supplements are safe. They can cause side effects, allergic reactions, or interact with medications. Their production process may vary, leading to differences in efficacy or side effects between brands. At Eggnovo, we use a patented method to produce natural eggshell membrane ingredients, adhering to the strictest global regulations to ensure safety and quality.
Why Eggnovo’s Eggshell Membrane is a Natural Supplement
Eggshell membrane is a natural matrix containing type I, V, and X collagen, as well as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and other glycosaminoglycans, along with over 400 different proteins, some of which are rich in sulfur-containing amino acids.
At Eggnovo, we extract our ingredients from eggshells while preserving their natural structure. We use only water in our process, avoiding chemicals entirely. This method ensures our eggshell membrane qualifies as a natural ingredient for supplements
Not all eggshell membranes meet these standards. Some companies use chemical processes that alter the protein structure, turning it into hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed membrane. To learn more about our natural, innovative products and the benefits of eggshell membrane, explore our range of effective supplements.
Want to know more? Contact our team of experts to learn more about our eggshell ingredients.