Why is Nutritional Absorption a Concern?

by Dr. Marc Grossman and Jeannette Manning

The following chart compares absorption rates of delivery systems:

Delivery System

Rate of Absorption*(5)

Pill or tablet - 10%

Capsule - 20%

Gel Cap - 30%

Transdermal Patch - 45%

Sublingual Liquid - 50%

Intramuscular Injection - 90%

Intraoral or Sublingual Spray - 95%

Intravenous Injection - 100%

Intraoral and sublingual sprays have become a viable solution with the introduction of liposomes. Liposomes hold both water and fat soluble nutrients in little fat containers to provide an efficient transport system that allows for maximum absorption by the body. These fat containers bypass the stomach and take a quicker more efficient route by slipping through the mucosal membrane under the tongue and directly into the bloodstream. (6-10) The intraoral or sublingual spray method of delivery is also very helpful for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills or capsules and, since a lower dosage of nutrients is required, it is cost effective .

To aid in absorption:

1) Manage Chronic Stress. Stress restricts the flow of blood in the body by tightening muscles, and restricting the free flow of fluids. Meditation, yoga, tai chi or even daily walks in nature can all help reduce stress significantly.

2) Exercise Daily. Exercise helps the body rid itself of the daily accumulation of harmful toxins. Numerous studies have shown that even a brisk walk of 20 minutes per day can be preventive in the development of heart disease and has even been shown to reduce high eye pressures in cases of glaucoma.

3)Think Positively. In Chinese medicine, excessive thoughts of anger, worry, resentment, grief and fear all have significant effects on the free flow of "energy" in our body.

4) Eat Whole Healthy Foods. Our bodies crave fresh food, particularly fruits, vegetables and grains. These foods provide energy to our bodies in the form of vitamins, minerals and natural enzymes. Excessive intake of "dead" food such as fast foods, or highly processed foods, require our bodies to use their own enzymes and energy to digest food in an attempt to separate whatever limited nutrients may be available.

5) Eat slowly & Chew Well. We should be eating our food slowly and thoughtfully. Try never to eat on the run, and don’t eat while working, conversing, writing, etc. Make eating a special time for yourself.

TIPS FOR TAKING NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

AND MAINTAINING GOOD DIGESTION

1) Use sublingual and/or liquid nutritional supplements when possible. They provide the most efficient and reliable system for nutrient delivery to the bloodstream (50-95% absorption). Gel Caps and capsules are the next best choice, but rely on gastrointestinal efficiency for good (20-30%) absorption.

2) Sublingual liquid supplements are best taken at least ten minutes

after drink and one hour after food. To take sublingual liquid supplements, place under the tongue and wait two minutes without talking before swallowing. Wait ten minutes before taking food or drink. When taking more than one sublingual formula at the same time, wait 5-10 minutes between supplements.

3) Take vitamins with food when possible. Digestive enzymes are stimulated when eating and aid in nutrient absorption.

4) If vitamin capsules cannot be swallowed, open up the capsule and mix the contents with juice or yogurt.

5) A small amount of apple cider vinegar, taken just prior to a meal, will stimulate production of digestive juices.

6) Take digestive enzyme supplements and limit fluids during meals to improve digestion. Adding fluid to the stomach while eating dilutes the concentration of digestive enzymes and impairs digestion. Especially avoid cold or iced drinks when eating.

7) Spinach is a good source of lutein. However, because of the oxalic acid content, excessive consumption can block the uptake of calcium and result in the development of kidney stones and/or worsen osteoporosis.

8) Beta Carotene (pro vitamin A) and lutein compete for absorption at the same mid-intestine receptor sites if taken orally (by tablet or capsule). So, if you are taking both of these antioxidants, take them at separate times during the day.

9) If taking antibiotics, take acidophilus supplements between doses. This will help build up the good bacteria in the digestive tract destroyed by the antibiotics. It is especially important for elderly patients to take acidophilus on a regular basis for the maintenance of intestinal health.

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