This article was commissioned by NUTRILITE and executed by Pan Science Planning.
What is the absorption rate of nutritional supplements?
Medications and nutritional supplements play a crucial role in our daily lives, but not all key molecules may be effectively absorbed by the human body. The answer to this issue may lie in absorption rate. Let’s dive into this mystery together!
When we ingest a capsule, it embarks on a remarkable journey through our digestive system. From the mouth to the small intestine, the absorption process is complex and full of challenges.
One major challenge is the solubility of the ingredients in the drugs and supplements. Some ingredients struggle to dissolve in water, impacting their absorption once in the body. Fat-soluble ingredients, in particular, require the intervention of oil for absorption, making the process intricate and the absorption rate low.
Have you ever heard of “drug delivery system”?
To address this challenge, scientists have developed drug delivery systems such as Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SEDDS), also known as absorption enhancement technology. This technology utilizes oils, surfactants, and auxiliary surfactants to enhance the absorption rate of drugs and supplements by forming fine chylomicrons in the intestine.
SEDDS-treated fat-soluble drugs are absorbed through the lymphatic system of the intestine, bypassing the liver’s first-pass effect and preserving more drug activity. This technology has shown success in improving the absorption of various drugs, including antiretroviral drugs like Ritonavir and medications for angina like Nifedipine.
SEDDS technology is not only applicable in drug therapy but also in the realm of nutritional supplements. Vitamins A, D, E, K, and essential fatty acids such as EPA and DHA can benefit from improved absorption efficiency through SEDDS technology, meeting the body’s nutritional requirements more effectively.
As science and technology progress, medicines can overcome previous limitations and provide enhanced efficacy, akin to increasing their “CP value”. The advent of SEDDS technology is just one solution to boost the absorption rate of drugs and nutritional supplements. With ongoing advancements in the field, more drug delivery systems (DDS) will likely be introduced, bringing greater health benefits to individuals.