When Were Synthetic Vitamins Invented? A Historical Overview

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

While vitamins themselves were discovered in the early 20th century, a major milestone occurred in 1933, when scientists first successfully synthesized vitamin C, marking the beginning of commercial-scale synthetic vitamin production. The push for synthetic vitamins stemmed from an increased understanding of nutritional deficiencies.

Quick Summary

A historical review tracing the invention and large-scale manufacturing of synthetic vitamins from early 20th-century discoveries to mass production, focusing on key milestones like the synthesis of vitamin C by Tadeusz Reichstein and Albert Szent-Györgyi's earlier isolation.

Key Points

Initial Discovery: The concept of vitamins emerged in the early 20th century, with biochemist Frederick Gowland Hopkins postulating "accessory food factors" in 1906.
The First Synthetic Vitamin: The first synthetic vitamin produced was vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which was chemically produced in 1933 using the Reichstein process.
Milestone Research: Albert Szent-Györgyi isolated the vitamin C compound in 1928, an achievement that facilitated its eventual synthesis and mass production.
First Synthetic B-Vitamin: Vitamin B1 (thiamine) was synthesized in a lab by Merck in 1936, following its initial isolation in 1926.
Mass Availability: Mass production and marketing of synthetic vitamins, including multivitamins, became commonplace in the 1950s, following industrial-scale synthesis developed in the 1930s and 40s.
Natural vs. Synthetic: While chemically similar, natural vitamins from whole foods contain beneficial co-factors that can aid absorption, whereas synthetic vitamins are isolated compounds and often less bioavailable.

The Roots of Vitamin Discovery

Before synthetic vitamins were invented, the very concept of these essential nutrients was an unknown. Historically, diseases linked to nutritional deficiencies were common and their causes unclear. The scientific understanding of micronutrients began to develop in the early 1900s. In 1906, British biochemist Frederick Gowland Hopkins proposed the idea of "accessory food factors," demonstrating that a diet of only proteins, fats, and carbohydrates was insufficient for survival. This foundational work paved the way for the vitamin concept. Casimir Funk, a Polish biochemist, coined the term "vitamine" in 1912, based on the belief these vital compounds were amines.

Milestones in Early Vitamin Research

1912: Casimir Funk coins the term "vitamine" and links these compounds to preventing deficiency diseases.
1912-1914: Vitamin A is discovered by multiple research groups.
1922: Vitamin D and Vitamin E are identified by researchers.

The First Synthetic Vitamin: Vitamin C

The first successful laboratory synthesis of a vitamin was with ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, a key event that facilitated the growth of the supplement industry.

Albert Szent-Györgyi's Crucial Isolation

In 1928, Albert Szent-Györgyi, a Hungarian biochemist, isolated a substance from various sources, including citrus fruits, which he initially named "hexuronic acid". By 1932, working with Joseph L. Svirbely, he confirmed this compound was vitamin C, essential for preventing scurvy. This achievement earned Szent-Györgyi the Nobel Prize in 1937. While isolation was a major step, an efficient method for large-scale production was still needed.

The Reichstein Process and Mass Production

The method for mass-producing vitamin C was developed in 1933 by Swiss chemist Tadeusz Reichstein. He created a process using both chemical and microbial steps to synthesize ascorbic acid from D-glucose. This technique, known as the "Reichstein process," allowed for the industrial production of synthetic vitamin C. The process was patented and acquired by Hoffmann-La Roche in 1934, leading to the market introduction of synthetic vitamin C products like Redoxon. This marked the point when synthetic vitamins became commercially viable.

Subsequent Syntheses and Industrialization

Following the successful synthesis of Vitamin C, research led to the lab production of other vitamins, further expanding the supplement market.

The B Vitamins and Beyond

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Isolated in 1926, thiamine was successfully synthesized by researchers at Merck in 1936.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Discovered around 1920, riboflavin synthesis was achieved in the 1930s by scientists including Paul Karrer and Max Tishler.
Other Syntheses: Industrial synthesis of vitamins like A, other B complex vitamins, and E and K occurred in the late 1930s and 1940s. This was spurred by pharmaceutical advancements and the need to address malnutrition during World War II. The first one-a-day multivitamin was introduced in 1943.

Natural vs. Synthetic Vitamins: Key Differences

Despite being chemically identical or very similar, there are ongoing discussions about the absorption and bioavailability of natural and synthetic vitamins.


Feature	Natural Vitamins	Synthetic Vitamins
Source	Extracted from whole foods.	Chemically made in a lab.
Composition	Include beneficial co-factors and other nutrients from the food source.	Often isolated compounds, lacking natural co-factors.
Absorption	Generally considered more easily absorbed due to co-factors.	May be less easily absorbed; sometimes compensated by higher doses.
Cost	More expensive due to extraction processes.	Cheaper to manufacture on a large scale.
Side Effects	Lower risk of toxicity when from food.	Higher risk with excessive intake, especially fat-soluble types.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Synthetic Vitamins

The invention of synthetic vitamins transformed public health by enabling the widespread treatment of deficiency diseases and food fortification. This was crucial in reducing diseases like scurvy and beriberi in developed countries. The debate about the bioavailability of natural versus synthetic vitamins continues, but the impact of synthetic vitamins on global health is significant. From Szent-Györgyi's isolation of vitamin C to the industrial Reichstein process, these developments ushered in a new era of nutritional science and accessibility.

For more information on Albert Szent-Györgyi's discovery and other historical milestones, read the Science History Institute's biographical article.

The Evolution of Nutritional Science

The study of nutritional deficiencies evolved into a focused scientific field. The discovery and synthesis of vitamins represented a major biochemical achievement, offering greater control over human diets. This period, from early vitamin purification to the first multivitamins in the 1940s, significantly influenced modern dietary guidelines and public health initiatives.

The Impact on Public Health

Governments recognized the potential of synthetic vitamins for public health. During World War II, concerns about malnutrition led to the establishment of Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) and the fortification of key foods like flour with vitamins. This approach helped prevent widespread deficiencies and shaped modern public health nutrition. Today, many common foods remain fortified.

A Continuing Conversation

Synthetic vitamins are widely used today, and discussions about their effectiveness and health implications persist. The difference between isolated lab-created nutrients and the complex nutrient profiles in whole foods remains an area of scientific and consumer interest. Ongoing technological advancements and research into nutrient bioavailability will continue to influence the future of nutritional supplements.

The Timeline of Vitamin Innovation

1906: Frederick Gowland Hopkins theorizes "accessory food factors".
1912: Casimir Funk coins the term "vitamine".
1928: Albert Szent-Györgyi isolates hexuronic acid (vitamin C).
1933: Tadeusz Reichstein develops the first industrial method for synthesizing vitamin C.
1936: Merck synthesizes vitamin B1 (thiamine).
1943: The first one-a-day multivitamin is introduced.
1950s: Mass marketing of multivitamins becomes widespread.

This history shows how scientific inquiry and public health needs drove the creation of a large industry dedicated to nutritional supplementation, highlighting the role of vitamins, both natural and synthetic, in modern life.

Frequently Asked Questions

The first synthetic vitamin to be chemically produced was vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which was successfully synthesized in 1933.

Swiss chemist Tadeusz Reichstein developed the first multi-step industrial process for producing synthetic vitamin C in 1933. This process, now known as the Reichstein process, made mass production possible.

Scientific understanding grew from observations of deficiency diseases like scurvy and beriberi. Researchers discovered that certain "accessory food factors" (later called vitamins) were needed to prevent these conditions, leading to their isolation and eventual synthesis.

Yes, natural vitamins are derived from whole foods and contain co-factors that assist absorption. Synthetic vitamins are lab-made, isolated compounds that can sometimes be less bioavailable than their natural counterparts.

The first "one-a-day" multivitamin supplement was introduced in 1943, though earlier yeast-based supplements were sold in the 1930s.

Food fortification is the process of adding vitamins and minerals to food, often done with synthetic vitamins. Governments have mandated the addition of certain vitamins to staple foods like flour and milk since the mid-20th century to prevent deficiencies in the general population.

When taken in appropriate dosages, synthetic vitamins are generally safe. However, excessive intake, especially of fat-soluble vitamins, can lead to potential health issues. It's best to consult a medical professional for proper dosage.

No, the synthesis of many vitamins continued after the initial breakthroughs. For example, Vitamin A was synthesized in 1947, and other B vitamins were also developed for industrial production in the 1930s and 40s.