Vitamin absorption depends on many complex factors, including form, diet, and health. The best form of vitamin supplement for you depends on your health and needs.
Capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders – there are many different types of vitamin supplements available today.
Researchers have long begun to study how different nutrients are absorbed and used in the body.
Although more research is needed, scientists believe that nutrient absorption is affected by a variety of factors, including dietary fat intake, interactions between foods and vitamins, and even stress.
If you are trying to get the most out of vitamin supplements, there are several ways to improve absorption.
This article reviews everything you need to know about which vitamin supplements offer the best absorption and how to maximize vitamin absorption.
Vitamin supplements are available in various forms, including gummies, pills, liquids, and powders.
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Although the bioavailability – meaning the body’s ability to absorb and use nutrients – of some nutrients is reasonably well understood, research into the uptake, absorption and bioavailability of other nutrients in humans is still in its early stages.
More research is needed to understand how different types of vitamin supplements are absorbed in the body.
Some manufacturers add vitamin coatings to pills to improve taste or shelf life. A
Water soluble vs fat soluble vitamins
In addition to vitamin form, many other factors affect absorption. For example, water-soluble vitamins are absorbed differently than fat-soluble vitamins, and some are stored in the body.
There are two main types of vitamins: water-soluble (all eight B vitamins and vitamin C) and fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K).
Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are not normally stored in the body. Excess amounts leave the body through urine.
These vitamins must be consumed regularly to prevent shortages or deficiencies in the body. However, there is one exception vitamin B12, which can be stored for years in the liver.
Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fats, which then travel through the small intestine and are eventually distributed through the bloodstream. Excess amounts of these vitamins are stored in the body’s liver, adipose tissue, and muscles for later use.
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- interactions with other foods or vitamins
- dietary fat intake
- alcohol
- age
However, the review studied the absorption of food sources of vitamins, not vitamin supplements. More research is needed on the absorption of vitamin supplements to understand which forms are absorbed more easily than others.
Here are some steps you can take to improve vitamin absorption.
A pair of complementary nutrients
Certain nutrients help each other to absorb. For example, there are fat soluble vitamins
In addition, plant-based sources of iron, such as beans, lentils, and nuts, require vitamin C for absorption. Pair them with foods rich in vitamin C or vitamin C supplements
Keep a healthy gut
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You can keep your gut healthy by:
You may also want to consider taking probiotics, which may have beneficial effects on gut health.
Reduce stress
Some options to reduce stress include:
- maintain a healthy diet
- get regular exercise
- have good sleep hygiene
- practice intervention or deep breathing
- register for mental health counselling
Talk to your doctor about effective ways to reduce stress. They can work with you to develop a stress management plan based on your health and individual needs.
Consider reducing or avoiding alcohol
Alcohol consumption
Consider limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption to ensure your body absorbs essential nutrients properly.
What vitamin supplements are good for absorption?
The best form of vitamin supplement for you depends on your individual needs. For example, if you have difficulty swallowing capsules or tablets, you may prefer a liquid vitamin.
More research is needed to understand how the body absorbs different vitamin supplements.
Which vitamin is the hardest to absorb?
Vitamin B12 requires the help of a protein called intrinsic factor for normal absorption. Some people are deficient in this protein and may need high-dose vitamin B12 injections or supplements.
Other
Which two vitamins should not be taken together?
Long-term excessive zinc consumption can lead to copper deficiency. To prevent copper deficiency, the US Food and Nutrition Board recommends an upper tolerable intake of 40 milligrams per day of dietary and supplemental zinc for adults.
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What is the most bioavailable form of vitamin A supplementation?
Vitamin A supplements are available in two main forms: preformed vitamin A (found in foods from animal sources such as meat, fish and dairy products) and provitamin A carotenoids (found in plant products such as green leafy vegetables).
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Although researchers are studying the absorption and bioavailability of nutrients, more research is needed to understand the absorption of vitamin supplements in different forms.
Many online reports claim that certain types of vitamins absorb more easily than others. But a broad consensus in the scientific community is lacking.
Some research suggests that pairing vitamins, maintaining good gut health, and avoiding alcohol may improve nutrient absorption. However, this research focused on food sources of vitamins rather than vitamin supplements.
The best form or type of vitamin for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Most people can get all the nutrients they need by eating a healthy, balanced diet.
If you are interested in taking vitamin supplements, talk to a doctor about the benefits and risks as well as a safe dosage.