Redefining Nutrient Bioavailability Beyond Absorption and Embracing First Pass Metabolism
Redefining Nutrient Bioavailability?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????? Beyond Absorption and Embracing First Pass Metabolism ?????? ??????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Carl Germano, CNS, CDN
The concept of nutrient bioavailability has long been a cornerstone of nutritional science for the dietary supplement industry, guiding nutraceutical recommendations and research. For decades, the concept of nutrient bioavailability revolved around the simple metric: the percentage of a nutrient absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream. While this measure has served us well for some time, it presents a limited picture, overlooking the vital role of the liver in determining the true availability of active nutraceuticals to the body.?
So, our outdated approach, while informative, holds significant limitations. It fails to capture the complex world of first-pass metabolism, where the liver transforms and eliminates a substantial portion of ingested nutrients before they reach systemic circulation. First-pass metabolism can significantly alter the amount and form of a nutrient available to exert its effects. Some nutrients undergo extensive transformations, while others are partially or entirely broken down, rendering them unusable. Additionally, the liver can conjugate certain nutrients, making them more water-soluble for excretion, further reducing their bioavailability.
While companies have been developing better ways to enhance the process of absorption through liposomes, unfortunately this is outdated technology focusing on enhancing delivery into the bloodstream, but does not address the amount of active available after facing the gauntlet of first pass metabolism in the liver. Therefore, while valuable, liposomes offer an incomplete picture of bioavailability. The consequences are profound as a significant portion of absorbed nutrients can be metabolized and eliminated by the liver, significantly reducing their availability to the rest of the body. In addition, to compensate for the obvious poor availability of many nutraceuticals, higher dosing is required in efforts to provide any decent amount of actives.? The consequences of this are overburdening the liver and production of excess metabolites – some of which may be a cause of concern.
Therefore, I argue for a broader definition of nutrient bioavailability that encompasses the complex interplay between absorption and first-pass metabolism in the liver, where a significant portion of ingested nutrients are transformed, stored, or excreted before reaching systemic circulation.? It is time for new thinking and innovation on how best to deliver nutrients in finished dietary supplement products above and beyond liposomes! This redefined concept proposes a shift in focus from mere blood absorption to the final amount and form of a nutrient available for utilization by its target tissues post-hepatic activity and encompasses:.
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This redefined bioavailability goes beyond simply quantifying absorption and considers the complex biochemical processes that shape the nutrient's final fate and effectiveness.
Resveratrol, berberine, thymoquinone, curcumin, quercetin, NAC, creatine, astaxanthin, and many others provide stark examples of expensive ingredients that have minimal availability to the body after absorption. After undergoing extensive first-pass metabolism, many have less than 10% availability while others less than 1%!? For nutraceuticals, such as resveratrol, berberine, etc., several published studies show less than 1% availability after passing through the liver!? This is both dramatic and a major cause of concern as consumers have a real conundrum in rationalizing that a 500mg capsule of resveratrol or berberine, etc., will only yield 5mgs of available active at best!?
Therefore, redefining bioavailability to encompass first-pass metabolism is not simply a semantic shift, but a paradigm change in our understanding of nutrient utilization. By embracing the liver's metabolic influence, we move beyond a simplistic absorption-centric view and gain a more nuanced perspective on the total amount of a nutrient that remains available to reach targets in the body.? This "post-hepatic bioavailability" would provide a more accurate picture of the true nutritional value of certain nutraceutical supplements.
A unique method has emerged that addresses post-hepatic bioavailability called BioSNEDS? technology – a self-emulsifying delivery system utilizing GRAS, clean label, nonGMO ingredients. This technology is validated and proven in pharmaceuticals and has now found its way into much needed dietary supplements. The implications of redefined bioavailability and the use of BioSNEDS? technology is far-reaching. BioSNEDS? technology will revolutionize the dietary supplement industry as a more effective nutritional delivery option designed to deliver nutrients in forms that bypass first-pass metabolism, maximizing their utilization by the body. In doing so, it is an integral part in the path to superior nutraceutical availability and plays a part in the redefining of bioavailability beyond the gut. This shift in perspective demanded collaborative efforts from nutrition scientists, biochemists, clinicians, and food technologists to develop the BioSNEDS? delivery system that is available today.
Adapt, innovate, and stay relevant.? Progress waits for no one: Drive Innovation Today, Do Not Wait for Innovation to Drive You. The future of nutraceutical delivery isn't just coming; it's here, and it's called BioSNEDS?. ??
For Further Information, contact me at [email protected] and visit our site at www.verdantnature.com.