This isn’t an easy topic to write about nor is it an easy topic to find information about since it’s quite complex, however, we will share with you as much information as possibly can about this subject so that you no longer have any questions left un-answered by the end of this article.
Why Do We Care About Bioavailability?
Todd Runestad, ingredients and supplements editor, New Hope Network, and advisor to Tespo puts it simply: “Bioavailability is the amount of an ingredient circulating in your blood. If an ingredient doesn’t get absorbed or metabolized, it won’t help your health.”.
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reduction in caloric intake in populations with decreased energy demands.
An assessment of the adequacy of dietary intakes of nutrients requires not only knowledge of the nutrient content of the foods ingested but also the extent to which the nutrient present in the diet is available for absorption and utilization. Bioavailability may be considered the relative absorption of a nutrient from the diet. An index of bioavailability may be extended to include the relative accumulation of a nutrient into various tissues.
Hence, requirements for vitamins cannot be considered independently, but must be evaluated in relationship to other nutrients and compounds consumed by an individual. An overview has been presented as to the factors that influence the bioavailability of vitamins in the human food suppl.
Can Bioavailability Be Increased?
Administering a substance directly into the bloodstream (for example, via a drip) ensures that it will have the full effect.
In this case, we have 100% bioavailability. Or gut disorders, such as inflammation, can affect how well your body can absorb many nutrients. In these cases, it is important to improve nutrient bioavailability to increase absorption and effectiveness.
Supplements can offer a way to supplement micronutrient intake, but micronutrients still need to reach the bloodstream and be absorbed by the body. Choosing a highly bioavailable supplement increases the chances of your body taking in the necessary nutrients and helps you to stay healthy. Bioavailability in supplements can be affected by a whole variety of factors, including:
The formulation of the supplement – some nutrient forms are better absorbed than others
The delivery method – for example, in some cases capsules are more effective than tablets
Composition of your meal – fat-soluble nutrients (such as vitamin D, for example) are better absorbed when taken with a meal, as it will contain some fat, that will help with the absorption
Interactions with other substances in your system – for example, calcium supplements make absorption of iron more difficult, so it is important to wait two hours between taking calcium and iron
Gastrointestinal health – for example, poor gastric acid secretion affects absorption of vitamin B12.
Gut inflammation can affect absorption of nutrients such as folate.
How Do Bioavailable Supplements Work?
How Do Bioavailable Supplements Work?
Supplements that are formulated to have high bioavailability will be more effective. Here are just a few examples.