Why Athletes Are Ditching Synthetic Ingredients

For years, synthetic ingredients—artificial flavors, colors, fillers, and lab-created compounds promising quick results—dominated the supplement industry. Think "bodybuilding supplements." But as more athletes demand transparency and long-term health benefits, the tide is shifting. Natural, whole-food, and herbal supplements are gaining ground, and for good reason.

What’s wrong with synthetic ingredients?

• Poor Absorption - Many synthetic vitamins and minerals aren’t as bioavailable as their natural counterparts, meaning your body may not absorb or utilize them as efficiently.
• Unnecessary Fillers & Additives - Many synthetic supplements contain artificial sweeteners, dyes, and preservatives that offer no performance benefits—and can sometimes cause digestive issues or unwanted side effects.
• Long-Term Health Concerns - Emerging research suggests that excessive intake of certain synthetic compounds may have negative health effects over time, from hormone disruption to gut imbalances.

On the flip side, athletes are choosing natural supplements for:

• Better Bioavailability – Nutrients from whole-food sources (like beets for nitric oxide or adaptogens for stress management) are more easily recognized and absorbed by the body.
• Fewer Unwanted Additives – Natural supplements skip the artificial junk, supporting clean, efficient performance.
• Sustainable Performance Gains – Instead of relying on synthetic stimulants for a temporary boost, natural ingredients work with your body to improve endurance, strength, and recovery over time…and improve overall health.

At Cerus Performance, we believe that what you put in your body should fuel long-term performance—not just short-term gains. That’s why we use research-backed, naturally derived ingredients to help athletes train harder, recover faster, and feel better without the synthetic shortcuts.