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What is Bioavailability? Understanding Bioavailability in Nutritional Supplements
For Healthcare Professionals Only When it comes to nutritional supplements, what the body absorbs is just as important as what’s on the label. That’s where bioavailability comes in. Bioavailability refers to the amount of a nutrient that is absorbed from the gut (specifically the small intestine), enters the bloodstream, and reaches the cells where it’s needed or is stored for later use. It plays a critical role in determining how effective a supplement really is. A supplement’s benefits don’t just depend on what nutrients it contains—but on how well those nutrients are absorbed and utilised by the body. Why Bioavailability Matters For patients trying to conceive or going through pregnancy, bioavailability can directly impact outcomes. A formulation that delivers nutrients in an easily absorbed form can make the difference between meaningful support and a missed opportunity. It’s an essential consideration when evaluating the therapeutic value of any supplement. The Bioavailability Process Bioavailability involves several key stages: Digestion Absorption Distribution Metabolism Elimination Each stage is influenced by a number of internal and external factors. Let’s explore the main ones that impact how well nutrients are absorbed. Key Factors That Influence Bioavailability 1. Nutrient FormSome forms of nutrients are more easily absorbed than others. For example: Chromium picolinate is more bioavailable than chromium chloride Methylcobalamin (active B12) is better absorbed and tolerated than cyanocobalamin Methylfolate bypasses the conversion process that folic acid requires 2. Supplement FormatThe physical format (whether capsule, sachet, tablet or liquid) can affect how quickly and efficiently the nutrients are released. Proceive® products are available as capsules and sachets, both chosen to support effective nutrient delivery and ease of use. 3. Nutrient InteractionsNutrients don’t work in isolation. Some help with absorption, while others can hinder it. Enhancers: Vitamin C improves non-heme (plant-based) iron absorption Vitamin D supports the absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus A small amount of dietary fat helps absorb fat-soluble nutrients like carotenoids Inhibitors: High zinc intake can reduce the absorption of iron and copper Tannins (found in tea, coffee, red wine) block iron absorption Phytates (found in grains, legumes, nuts) and oxalates (found in spinach, berries, coffee) can reduce mineral absorption When formulating supplements, these interactions matter enhancers and inhibitors can cancel each other out, reducing effectiveness. Proceive® is designed with these interactions in mind. Nutrients are carefully balanced to maximise absorption and minimise interference. 4. Individual VariabilityNutrient absorption is highly individual and influenced by: Age and sex Genetic profile (e.g. MTHFR variants - read more on this here) Gut health and microbiome Pre-existing nutrient levels Chronic illness or inflammation Medication use (e.g. the contraceptive pill may reduce absorption of some nutrients) The Proceive® Approach At Proceive®, bioavailability is at the heart of our formulations. We use high-quality, well-researched nutrient forms that are recognised for their absorbability. No unnecessary fillers or binders, just carefully selected ingredients designed to support your patient’s fertility and pregnancy journey. Proceive® products are delivered in capsules and sachets for ease of use and effective uptake, and every formula is built around what the body can actually absorb and utilise. Clinical Considerations When recommending supplements, it’s worth looking beyond the headline nutrient list. Consider: What form the nutrients are in Whether they interact positively or negatively with one another How well the supplement is likely to be absorbed based on the individual’s health status In fertility and preconception care, timing is critical and so is the form of nutrition. A product designed with bioavailability in mind is more likely to deliver meaningful results. Key Takeaways We are not just what we eat; we are what we absorb and utilise A supplement is only effective if the nutrients reach the body’s cells Proceive® goes further: more nutrients, in forms the body can actually absorb (such as Methylfolate) During conception and pregnancy, the body needs more than just the minimum, we provide optimal levels in bioavailable forms. References H.C. Schönfeldt, B. Pretorius, N. Hall, Bioavailability of Nutrients, Editor(s): Benjamin Caballero, Paul M. Finglas, Fidel Toldrá, Encyclopedia of Food and Health, Academic Press, 2016, Pages 401-406, ISBN 9780123849533. Gibson, R. S. (2007). The Role of Diet- and Host-Related Factors in Nutrient Bioavailability and Thus in Nutrient-Based Dietary Requirement Estimates. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 28(1_suppl1), S77–S100. Melse-Boonstra A. (2020). Bioavailability of Micronutrients From Nutrient-Dense Whole Foods: Zooming in on Dairy, Vegetables, and Fruits. Frontiers in nutrition, 7, 101.
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Research: Most Women Are Not Getting the Nutrients They Need for a Healthy Pregnancy
For Healthcare Professionals Only An international study has found that the majority of women are not getting the essential nutrients needed to support a healthy pregnancy and researchers warn the situation could worsen as more people adopt vegetarian or vegan diets. The research, which analysed the vitamin status of 1,729 women in the UK, Singapore and New Zealand, focused on key nutrients typically found in meat and dairy, including vitamins D, B12, B6, folic acid and riboflavin. These nutrients are critical during pregnancy: Folic acid and vitamin B12 help reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida Vitamin D supports the immune system and supports healthy bones, teeth, and muscle function Riboflavin plays a role in the development of bones, muscles, and the nervous system in the growing baby Over 90% of the women studied had low or marginal levels of one or more of these vitamins. Many also showed signs of vitamin B6 deficiency by late pregnancy. Professor Keith Godfrey, lead author and professor of epidemiology at the University of Southampton, commented: “The push to reduce our dependence on meat and dairy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions is likely to further deplete expecting mothers of vital nutrients, which could have lasting effects on unborn children.” The Study: Supplementation and Results Participants were divided into two groups: An intervention group of 870 women A control group of 859 women Both groups received a basic supplement containing: 400mcg folic acid 12mg iron 150mg calcium 150mcg iodine 720mcg beta-carotene However, the control group was given a broader micronutrient formula, including: 1.8mg riboflavin 2.6mg vitamin B6 5.2mcg vitamin B12 10mcg vitamin D 10mg zinc Myo-inositol and probiotics Blood samples were collected at four points: pre-conception, early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and six months postpartum. The results? Supplements that included a wider range of vitamins and minerals substantially reduced the prevalence of deficiencies both before and during pregnancy. The researchers concluded that, in high-income countries, where diets are increasingly plant-based and potentially less nutrient-dense, micronutrient supplementation should be more actively considered as part of routine preconception and pregnancy care. “The findings suggest a need to reappraise dietary recommendations for preconception and pregnancy, and to further explore the role of comprehensive multinutrient supplements,” they added. NHS Guidance and Real-World Gaps Current NHS guidance recommends that women trying to conceive take 400mcg folic acid daily from before pregnancy through to 12 weeks, to help reduce the risk of birth defects. A daily vitamin D supplement is also advised. But this new study highlights a broader issue: even among women in high-income countries, widespread nutrient insufficiency is present before pregnancy even begins. Prof Godfrey added: “Our study shows that almost every woman trying to conceive had insufficient levels of one or more vitamin, and this figure is only going to get worse as the world moves towards plant-based diets. People think nutrient deficiency is only an issue in low-income countries - but it’s clearly affecting the majority of women in wealthier nations too.” The study was published in PLOS Medicine and led by researchers from the University of Southampton, with support from the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, the University of Auckland, National University of Singapore, and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Research and Technology.
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Folic Acid vs. Folate: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Your Patients
What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Your Patients.
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