I don’t remember when I first heard the word “bioavilability” but I remember thinking, “Huh? What does that mean?” Simply put bioavailability means the ability of our bodies to utilize the nutrients we put into it. For this post I thought I would specifically focus on the bioavailabilty of supplements that we consume.
There are a few things that can get in the way of supplements being fully available to our bodies:
- Synthetic: Supplements that are created by synthetics rather than food sources are believed to be not nearly as effective. This includes nutrients that are sprayed onto some breakfast cereals or added back in to an “enriched” product. This also includes many supplements you will find in your neighborhood drug store. If the supplement is the size of two aspirin and it is designed to give you all your nutrients for the day, it is likely synthetic. Whole food vitamins tend to be bigger or you need to take more of them to get the benefit.
- Tightly pressed: As was mentioned in the above example of vitamins being the size of two aspirins they are likely not only synthetic but also pressed tightly so they can be that small. Our bodies need to be able to break down the supplement to be able to utilize it but if it is like swallowing a marble, there will be no nutrients absorbed, synthetic or not.
- Coated: Supplement companies coat pills to make them easier to swallow. Some coatings dissolve quickly in the stomach while others take longer (sometimes never). Talk to someone who owns a porta-potty business and ask them about the “looks like new” supplements they find in the bottom of those things.
- Not right combination: It has been learned through the years that some nutrients absorb better when combined with other nutrients. For example, iron PLUS vitamin C or calcium PLUS vitamin D (and others too). A reputable company will actually do the research to make sure they are providing the right combination for maximum absorption.
- Not taken properly: Most vitamins have maximum absorption if taken with a meal. Taking them on an empty stomach will not only likely result in nauseabut reduce absorption. In addition, calcium and iron should not be consumed at the same time because there is reduced absorption for both of them.
You want to work with a supplement company that you trust is going to look out for you and your family, making sure that what you put in your bodies is not only safe but also will get absorbed so your body can utilize it. As a friend of mine is fond of saying, “The most expensive supplement is the one that doesn’t work.” Don’t waste your money on supplements that are passing right through you. Choose a company that studies supplement bioavailability and provides you with the best possible research and nutrition.
Donna Copeland is an Independent Shaklee Distributor and one of the main reasons she chose Shaklee is because of their extensive research into creating the best supplements and then doing extra testing to make sure those nutrients are bioavailable. There is a money back guarantee. Donna will recieve a commission from Shaklee for any purchases made through her or her website. www.DonnaCopeland.MyShaklee.com
