Why Natural Vitamins Might Be the Key to Better Poultry Health

Natural or Synthetic Vitamins for Poultry: Which One Is Best for Your Flock?

As a poultry farmer, I always look for ways to give my chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowls the best possible nutrition. One big question I get from fellow farmers and animal scientists is: Are natural vitamins better than synthetic vitamins? Since I manufacture and sell Aviotix—a natural vitamin supplement for poultry—let’s take a deep dive into this debate.

Natural vitamins like those found in Aviotix come from real plant and herbal extracts, while synthetic vitamins are lab-created chemical compounds. Each has its pros and cons, and today, I’ll lay everything out—10 advantages, 10 disadvantages, and how I counter those disadvantages.

10 Advantages of Natural Vitamins Over Synthetic Vitamins

1. Higher Bioavailability

Natural vitamins are more easily absorbed because they come with their natural co-factors like enzymes, flavonoids, and trace minerals. Synthetic vitamins often lack these supporting compounds, making them harder to metabolize. Studies show that natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) is absorbed twice as efficiently as synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) (Traber, 2013). When birds absorb vitamins more efficiently, they get stronger immune systems, better feather quality, and improved egg production.

2. Rich in Phytonutrients

Aviotix isn’t just packed with vitamins—it contains antioxidants, polyphenols, and natural growth-promoting compounds that synthetic vitamins don’t have. These phytonutrients help combat oxidative stress, leading to healthier birds with lower mortality rates. For example, moringa leaves contain over 46 antioxidants and 92 nutrients (Anwar et al., 2007), making them superior to isolated synthetic vitamins.

3. No Synthetic Additives or Fillers

Many commercial vitamin premixes contain artificial colors, stabilizers, and anti-caking agents that birds don’t actually need. Aviotix is free from these unnecessary chemicals, ensuring that poultry get only beneficial, natural nutrients. Farmers appreciate this because it reduces the risk of chemical residues in eggs and meat.

4. Supports Gut Health

Natural vitamins often come from fermented or whole-food sources that improve gut microbiota. Aviotix contains prebiotic-rich ingredients, helping birds develop a stronger digestive system. Unlike synthetic vitamins that are just absorbed and excreted, Aviotix promotes long-term gut health, reducing common digestive issues in poultry.

5. Improved Immunity

Poultry raised on natural supplements show stronger disease resistance, thanks to immune-boosting compounds found in herbal extracts. For instance, garlic and ginger extracts enhance antibody production, making birds more resilient against infections (Islam et al., 2019). Aviotix is formulated to enhance natural immunity, reducing dependency on antibiotics.

6. Better Egg Quality

Hens supplemented with natural vitamins lay eggs with stronger shells, richer yolks, and better hatchability rates. Research indicates that hens given natural vitamin sources have higher egg yolk carotenoid content, leading to deeper-colored, nutrient-rich yolks (Karadas et al., 2005). This is why many free-range egg producers prefer natural vitamin supplements over synthetic ones.

7. Environmentally Friendly

The production of synthetic vitamins involves chemical processing, fossil fuels, and industrial waste, contributing to environmental pollution. Aviotix is made using sustainable, plant-based sources, reducing the environmental impact while still delivering essential nutrients to poultry.

8. Less Risk of Toxicity

Since natural vitamins come in their whole-food forms, they are harder to overdose on compared to synthetic vitamins. High doses of synthetic vitamins, especially fat-soluble ones like vitamins A, D, and E, can accumulate to toxic levels in the body. Aviotix provides balanced nutrition without the risk of hypervitaminosis.

9. Boosts Feed Efficiency

When birds get their nutrients from bioavailable sources, they absorb more and waste less. This means less undigested feed and improved feed conversion ratios (FCR). In simple terms, birds need less feed to produce more meat or eggs. This translates to cost savings for farmers.

10. Holistic Health Benefits

Synthetic vitamins deliver isolated nutrients, but Aviotix provides a synergistic effect where vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients work together. This results in faster recovery from illnesses, better weight gain, and overall improved vitality.

10 Disadvantages of Natural Vitamins Over Synthetic Vitamins—and How I Counter Them

1. Shorter Shelf Life

Natural vitamins degrade faster than synthetic ones because they lack artificial stabilizers. That’s why I use advanced cold-processing techniques and airtight packaging to ensure Aviotix remains potent for a long time. I store Aviotix under ideal conditions and maintain strict quality checks to guarantee freshness, ensuring it delivers consistent, reliable results every time.

2. Variable Nutrient Content

Natural vitamin content can fluctuate based on growing conditions. To address this, I carefully select high-quality, consistent raw materials and establish strong supplier relationships to ensure that I receive the best ingredients available. By closely monitoring seasonal variations and adjusting the sourcing process as needed, I can consistently maintain the quality of Aviotix. This approach allows me to ensure that every batch provides reliable, effective nutrition for your poultry, no matter the time of year.

3. Requires Larger Dosages

Since natural vitamins are often thought to require slightly higher doses, it’s important to clarify that Aviotix does not follow this trend. In fact, the dilution rate of Aviotix per 1 liter of drinking water is the same as the leading synthetic poultry vitamins in the market. Thanks to its higher bioavailability, Aviotix is efficiently absorbed, meaning birds get more out of every dose. Additionally, Aviotix contains natural co-factors that enhance nutrient uptake, ensuring your birds receive maximum benefits without the need for higher doses. The result? Healthier birds with every drop.

4. Slower Visible Results

Synthetic vitamins act fast but don’t provide long-term benefits. Aviotix works gradually to build sustained immunity and growth, leading to stronger, healthier birds in the long run. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but the results are worth it.

5. Higher Production Costs

Natural vitamins cost more to produce than synthetic ones. But does that automatically mean they cost more to use? Let’s break it down with real numbers.

Aviotix is priced at ₱500 per liter, with a dilution rate of 1ml per liter of water. Compare this to the two leading synthetic brands:

• VitMinPro costs ₱650 per kilogram, with a dilution rate of 1.25 grams per liter of water. That means 1 kilogram makes 800 liters of drinking water, putting the cost per liter at ₱0.81.
• VMP100 is priced at ₱750 per liter, requiring 1ml per liter of water, making the cost per liter of drinking water ₱0.75.
• Aviotix, at ₱500 per liter, has the same dilution rate as VMP100, making the cost per liter of drinking water ₱0.50—significantly cheaper than both synthetic options.

The prices of VitMinPro and VMP100 are based on the average selling prices listed on major e-commerce websites in the Philippines.

Not only is Aviotix more affordable per liter of treated water, but it also provides natural, bioavailable nutrients that synthetic vitamins can’t match. Healthier birds require fewer medications, reducing veterinary costs in the long run. Over time, that extra savings snowballs into higher farm profitability—less disease, fewer losses, and better overall performance. The numbers speak for themselves.

6. Requires Proper Storage

Aviotix needs to be stored away from heat and moisture. That’s why I use airtight packaging and provide clear storage instructions to maintain its potency. Keeping it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight ensures that every drop remains effective for your birds. Proper storage isn’t just about prolonging shelf life—it’s about making sure you get the full benefits of Aviotix every time you use it.

7. Limited Availability

Unlike synthetic vitamins that are found in every feed store, Aviotix is sold directly through Alpha Agventure Farms’ website. However, limited availability is not an issue with Aviotix. We make sure our inventory never drops below 500 liters, ensuring that we can consistently supply our customers. With prompt and reliable delivery, you’ll always have access to the natural, high-quality nutrients your poultry need.

8. Not a Quick Fix

Aviotix works preventatively rather than just treating deficiencies. If immediate correction is needed, I recommend a combination approach—addressing acute deficiencies first, then maintaining health with Aviotix. It’s all about setting up long-term health, which yields more durable results.

9. Mild Taste Variability

Since Aviotix is made from real herbs, its taste may slightly change between batches. However, birds quickly adapt, and many even prefer the natural herbal aroma over synthetic alternatives. I also offer guidance on transitioning birds to Aviotix, so they get used to the new taste in no time.

10. Complex Formulation Challenges

Balancing multiple natural ingredients takes careful formulation. I’ve spent time refining Aviotix through research, practical experience, and continuous adjustments based on real-world farm conditions. Instead of relying on pre-made formulas, I carefully select and combine ingredients to ensure consistency and effectiveness. It’s a process of learning, testing, and improving—so poultry farmers can have a reliable, natural vitamin solution without the guesswork.

Natural or Synthetic—What Will You Choose?

When it comes to poultry nutrition, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Synthetic vitamins may be convenient, but natural vitamins like Aviotix offer holistic, long-term benefits. While there are challenges, I’ve addressed them through scientific formulation, advanced processing, and proper storage techniques.

Now, I’d love to hear from you. Have you tried switching your flock to natural vitamins? What were your observations? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

References

• Anwar, F., Latif, S., Ashraf, M., & Gilani, A. H. (2007). Moringa oleifera: A food plant with multiple medicinal uses. Phytotherapy Research, 21(1), 17-25.
• Islam, M. M., Haque, M. H., Khatun, M., & Islam, M. S. (2019). Effect of garlic and ginger extracts in drinking water on growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens. Asian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 5(2), 120-127.
• Karadas, F., Surai, P. F., Sparks, N. H., Grammenidis, E., & McDevitt, R. M. (2005). Effects of carotenoids from different sources on egg yolk color and carotenoid composition. British Poultry Science, 46(5), 564-573.
• Traber, M. G. (2013). Vitamin E inadequacy in humans: Causes and consequences. Advances in Nutrition, 4(5), 503-514.