What “Synthetic” Really Means When It Comes to Vitamins, Peptides, and NAD+ — And Why It’s Not a Bad Thing

We hear it all the time “where do your products come from?” or “How are they made?” Followed by  “Wait… this is synthetic?” “I don’t put fake things in my body. Is that even safe?” “Why can’t you just get natural products?”  These are great questions and we welcome them.  You deserve to be aware of what is in your body and ensure that what you’re putting in it’s safe.

So is synthetic safe? Yes. And here’s why.

What “Synthetic” Really Means

The term synthetic has become a negative word that often gets associated with the words artificial or fake. People think of artificial sweeteners, dyes, and food additives. When we refer to the products we sell as synthetic, we do not mean fake or artificial. What it does mean is that it is made in a lab here in the U.S., rather than extracted from a plant or animal. These products are made in a lab to ensure that the product you are receiving is dosed accurately, free of impurities, and stable enough to store and deliver safely through IV and Injection.

Let's Talk About Bioidentical

These synthetic compounds are bioidentical, which means they look like, act like, and  are absorbed in the same way as the compounds your body already uses. So even though they’re made in a lab, your body can’t tell the difference. This is common with peptide therapy and NAD+, as well as most vitamins used in IV therapy. These compounds are synthesized for purity, but also to be bioidentical, which makes them both effective and well-tolerated.

So Why Not Use Natural Ingredients?

If it were safe and effective, we would, but the reality is we can’t or at least, not in a way that is safe, stable, or effective for IV therapy.

Take NAD+ for example. It exists in all living cells, but when taken out of the body, it becomes very unstable. You can’t extract it from food in usable amounts, and even if that were a possibility, it would break down before it could be delivered via IV or injection.

The same goes for vitamins like taurine. Taurine is found in meat and fish, but not in concentrations that amount to anything useful. Extracting it would not be practical or precise, which is why there are lab-made alternatives that have the same bioidentical makeup that your body can safely use instead. Synthetic isn’t about being cheaper or cutting corners, it's about delivering clean, effective support that your body knows exactly how to use.

What We Use and Why?

At Iowa IV, we only source products from trusted pharmacies with certified pharmacists who manufacture under strict quality standards, test their products for purity and safety, and only select products that are backed by evidence and research. We know you care about what goes in your body. So do we.

“Synthetic” Means Safe, Pure, and Effective

The next time you hear synthetic in relation to IV and peptide therapy, don’t let that scare you into thinking you are putting something harmful into your body. The ingredients are designed to match your biology, and they're made to be safe and effective.

If you have been curious or hesitant about what these products are made of, we hope this helps. Our job isn’t just to deliver a product. It’s to educate and earn your trust, explain the options, and help you feel confident in the services you receive from us.

FAQ Answers and Common Concerns

Are IV vitamins and peptides synthetic?

Yes, almost all vitamins and peptides are lab-made. That ensures purity and consistency, and most importantly, safety.

Does synthetic mean it’s not natural?

Not exactly, While it’s not extracted from food or plants, synthetic compounds can still be bioidentical, meaning they’re the same as what your body makes naturally.

Isn’t natural better?

“Natural” sounds better, but it doesn’t always mean safer or more effective. Lab-made bioidenticals allow for accurate dosing and eliminate the risks of contamination or inconsistency.

Written by Scott McDonald

Paramedic and Chief Strategic Officer, and Clinical Educator at Iowa IV