Why Absorption Matters for Supplements
If you are taking supplements, odds are that you are taking them for the reasons advertised on the product. Better sleep, weight loss, improved energy, and the list goes on. But have you ever wondered if these supplements are really working? Or how you can make sure they actually do what they claim to?
What Supplement Absorption Means
The answer to your questions may be uncovered in one word. Absorption. When it comes to supplements, absorption is the process by which a supplement moves from the place it was administered to your bloodstream. There are many ways a supplement can be absorbed and many things that can interfere with absorption, but for a supplement to be effective it must fully complete absorption and enter your bloodstream.
We’ll unpack what to look for in the supplements you buy and what decisions you can make to maximize absorption and in turn, the effects of the supplements you take.
The Secret to Supplement Absorption in 5 Facts
The right delivery systems can maximize absorption.
This comes down to technique and technology. There are many different supplement designs on the market today–pills, capsules, tablets, powders, gummies, and more. The decision here is largely consumer preference, but the different formulations allow supplement companies to pack as many nutrients as possible into the product.
When it comes to certain products, though, there are certain technologies that can enhance the absorption process. Let me explain a few.
Turmeric
A strong supplement that has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, fighting off things like joint pain, muscle soreness, and infection. By itself its impact is minimal, but when dosed with black pepper, the results are dramatically intensified, as black pepper allows the body to absorb turmeric 2000% more.
Berberine
Known today as “nature’s ozempic,” this product has potential weight loss and metabolism benefits. But these benefits are safely multiplied with the addition of phytosome, a delivery system that allows your body to better absorb the nutrients in berberine.
Beta-Alanine
Used for muscle strength and endurance, a natural performance booster and recovery amplifier. CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine is the only patented form of this supplement, and its benefits have been demonstrated in over 50 clinical studies.
The delivery system used is dependent on the product and company. It is important to do your own research to ensure that the supplements you are consuming are using the right technique and technology to maximize absorption.
Bioavailability Matters
Bioavailability is a measure of the amount of a nutrient that is fully digested, metabolized, and absorbed into your circulation. So while a product may advertise having so many fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and nutrients, the product may not actually be capable of delivering that many elements into your bloodstream and circulation. Meaning that the benefits just shrunk down to only the true amount of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and nutrients that can reach your circulation.
So, be cautious of being motivated by claims of what the supplement contains, instead seek out information about how many of the ingredients in the supplement will actually be absorbed.
Timing matters more than you may think.
The time that you take your supplements can actually play a major role in how well they are absorbed. Why?
This has to do with the composition or solubility of the supplement and your eating schedule. It is important to follow the instructions on your supplements for best time of day, or consult a provider if this information is not accessible to you.
Maximum impact starts with sleep.
While we may feel like we get nothing accomplished while we are asleep, there is actually a lot going on inside your body. We are actively digesting and absorbing the nutrients from our day while we sleep, clearing out the bad, taking in the good, and making room to do it all again.
Without the proper sleep, our gut isn’t given the time to prepare for tomorrow’s nutrients and also isn’t able to get rid of the bad. This can lead to inflammation that impairs nutrient absorption and metabolism.
Diet goes hand-in-hand with absorption.
Supplements interact with certain foods based on their make-up, but beyond that a healthy diet can strengthen your gut health and improve metabolism which leads to better nutrient and supplement absorption.
Getting in the right amount of nutrients naturally through your diet will only amplify the effects of the supplements that you take. It is important to understand how you can achieve a balanced diet, so that your supplements can do their job fully.
Putting it All Together
So the next time you take your supplements, remember finding the right product and following the right routine is the key to successful supplementation. For more information on some of the topics discussed, check out more of the FeelGood Blog____, where we discuss building healthy habits and creating a lifestyle where you feel good!
Company Response
Sebastien Hebbelinck, CEO
Here at FeelGood, our mission is to create supplements with maximum absorption that actually work, leaving you feeling good. How do we do this?
-
Advanced Delivery Systems–Our specialty formulations, including Phytosome, Liposome, and others, are research-driven and clinician-backed to maximize nutrient absorption and deliver real benefits where they matter most.
-
Clinical and Medical Support–We have a dedicated board certified physician on staff to help us choose and develop the best supplements and vitamins. We also seek out technology that makes our ingredients even better through higher absorption and peak efficacy.
-
Rigorous Testing–Additionally, we perform a variety of tests including microbiological, purity and identity to be sure that our final product has exactly the ingredients listed and nothing else.
FeelGood Company, also known as FeelGood Superfoods, has been manufacturing and distributing nutritional supplements in America for over 14 years.
By Delaney Gilmore, BSN, RN
