Difference between natural nutrients and synthetic supplements: Why consuming through food is advantageous

As people age, an increasing number of individuals are taking various supplements, such as vitamins, to prevent skin aging and declining immunity. However, there may be differences in the impact on the body between 'natural nutrients' found in the food we eat every day and 'synthetic supplements' in pill form. Professor Chung Jin-ho of the Department of Dermatology at Seoul National University Hospital explained the importance of nutrients consumed through food and precautions to take when taking supplements through the medical channel After the Rain live broadcast.

Why natural nutrients may be more advantageous than synthetic supplements

Professor Chung Jin-ho mentioned that natural nutrients included in food are likely to be more effective than synthetic supplements manufactured in factories. This is because nutrients do not exist simply as single components, but are complexly combined with various other components within food. Professor Chung explained, "Common sense suggests that food made from natural ingredients included in food would be better than synthetic supplements made in a factory," and noted that humanity was able to maintain health even in the past when supplements did not exist because they consumed sufficient nutrients through food.

In particular, for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components directly related to skin health, several papers suggest that their efficacy can be even more significant when consumed through food. Antioxidant components such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E (tocopherol), and Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide), or polyphenols and carotenoids, help slow down skin aging by reducing oxidative damage in our bodies. Professor Chung explained that rather than solving these components with a single pill, it can be advantageous in terms of bioavailability to consume them evenly through various foods.

Skin itching and rashes caused by excessive supplement intake

While many people add supplements for their health, excessive intake can actually become a cause of skin problems. Professor Chung stated that a significant number of itching patients he meets at the Department of Dermatology at Seoul National University Hospital are experiencing problems due to drug side effects or health functional foods. In particular, if skin rashes or itching appear within 1 to 2 weeks after starting to take a specific supplement, one should suspect that the supplement in question might be the cause.

Supplements contain not only active ingredients but also various additives (byproducts) to form the shape of a pill. If these components do not match an individual's constitution, they can cause 'drug eruptions,' which are allergic reactions, or induce severe itching. Professor Chung emphasized, "If you add them one by one because a friend takes them or because they are said to be good on a broadcast, the number of supplements can sometimes exceed 10," and stressed that it is important to selectively supplement nutrients only when they are deficient. In actual practice, cases of excessive intake of various types of supplements, such as adding chondroitin for joint health, are frequently observed.

Additionally, one of the major causes of itching commonly seen in the elderly is skin xerosis (dry skin). When the skin barrier breaks down and the skin becomes dry, inflammation occurs, and this inflammation in turn causes itching, creating a vicious cycle. To prevent this, Professor Chung advised that it is important to avoid bathing too frequently or for too long, avoid excessive use of soap, and develop the habit of diligently applying moisturizing creams that strengthen the skin barrier.

Healthy eating habit guide to slow skin aging

To maintain skin health and slow aging, constructing a balanced diet is a priority rather than simply choosing good supplements. The core of the healthy eating habits for skin suggested by Professor Chung is as follows:

First, consume foods that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Oxidative damage should be prevented through foods rich in Vitamin C, E, B3, as well as polyphenols and carotenoids. Second, it is good to consume foods rich in plant estrogens (e.g., tofu, etc.) that can help with women's health and skin elasticity. Third, consume the three major nutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—evenly, but for carbohydrates, choose low glycemic index (GI) foods that raise blood sugar slowly. Lastly, consuming foods containing healthy unsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 is essential for maintaining the skin barrier and health.

In conclusion, supplements should be used as a 'supplementary means' to fill in the deficiencies that cannot be sufficiently consumed through food. If you want to prevent skin aging and maintain a healthy skin barrier, it is desirable to first build a diet containing various natural nutrients rather than relying on pills.