From Absorption to Action: How Bioavailability Impacts Your Wellness

Bioavailability refers to the amount of a substance that your body can absorb and use. Naturally, it plays a major role in any substance’s effectiveness.

At Premium Jane, we design every formula with this in mind. By focusing on quality ingredients and delivery methods that enhance absorption, the goal is to help you get the most benefit from our products.

In this article, we discuss the science behind bioavailability, why it’s a critical factor in supplementation, and how it differs from absorption.

What is Bioavailability?

Bioavailability is the proportion of an active substance that gets into your bloodstream and can be used by your body.

In a nutshell, bioavailability measures how much benefit you get from the dose of a substance you consume.

Two people can take the same dose, but depending on the type of product — a capsule, an oil, or a gummy — one person might feel the effects differently than the other. That’s because different delivery methods influence how efficiently the active ingredients reach your system.

Types of Bioavailability

Believe it or not, there’s more than one type of bioavailability. Systemic bioavailability refers to the amount of a substance that reaches the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body. This is crucial for systemic effects, like those sought from hemp extracts or capsules.

On the other hand, localised bioavailability relates to the availability of a substance in a specific area. For instance, if you apply a hemp topical to manage the symptoms of joint pain.

Why is Bioavailability Important?

When you invest in a product, you want to ensure your body absorbs and uses as much of it as possible. The higher the bioavailability, the more effective the product. By contrast, low bioavailability means you may need a higher dose to achieve the desired effects.

Also, products with higher bioavailability ensure you get the most out of your purchase, reducing the need to consume more to experience benefits. By maximising bioavailability, you’re more likely to experience the desired effects.

How Does Bioavailability Differ from Absorption?

Although often used interchangeably, absorption and bioavailability are not the same thing.

While absorption focuses on how a substance enters the body, bioavailability measures how much of it is active and usable by your system. For instance, when you take a hemp capsule, your digestive system absorbs it before the hemp extract enters your bloodstream.

So, when you swallow the capsule, some of it is absorbed in your stomach. However, much of it is broken down by stomach acid and the liver before it reaches your bloodstream. This process is known as first-pass metabolism.

By contrast, sublingual CBD (held under the tongue) bypasses the digestive system and first-pass metabolism, making it easier for your body to use.

Factors That Impact Bioavailability

Several factors influence how much of a supplement your body can use. These factors vary based on the supplement type, formulation, and individual differences. Understanding these variables allows you to make better choices and even optimise bioavailability.

Consumption Method

The way you take a supplement plays a big role in bioavailability. Oral supplements, like capsules or gummies, often face barriers like stomach acid and digestive enzymes, which break down the active ingredients before they reach the bloodstream. Sublingual administration or inhalation bypasses many of these obstacles, delivering more of the active ingredient to your system.

First-Pass Metabolism

When you consume a substance orally, it passes through the liver before entering the bloodstream. This process, known as first-pass metabolism, can reduce the bioavailability of certain compounds.

Formulation and Ingredients

High-quality formulations often include enhancers like liposomes, MCT oil, or nanoemulsions, which improve absorption and bioavailability. For example, hemp extract is fat-soluble and absorbs better with healthy fats.

Individual Differences

Your unique physiology affects bioavailability. Age, weight, metabolism, and gut health influence how well your body absorbs and processes supplements.

Timing and Food Pairing

The time you take your supplement and whether you consume it with food can affect bioavailability. Fat-soluble compounds like CBD are better absorbed with meals containing healthy fats.

The Bioavailability of Different Consumption Methods

The bioavailability of a product varies depending on how it’s consumed. For example, orally consumed ingested products, like capsules or gummies may have a lower bioavailability than a sublingually consumed hemp oil.

When CBD is taken sublingually — by placing drops under the tongue — the active compounds are absorbed through the mucous membranes and enter the bloodstream directly, bypassing the digestive process.

Inhalation via vaping allows the substance to enter the lungs and be absorbed almost immediately into the bloodstream.

Many like to use CBD topicals like creams and balms. These products target localised areas, such as sore muscles or joints. While they don’t typically reach the bloodstream, transdermal patches are designed for systemic absorption.

Incidentally, there are ways to boost bioavailability. For instance, products with advanced technologies, such as nanoemulsions or liposomal delivery, break down active ingredients into smaller particles, thus, in theory, making it easier for your body to absorb them.

Hemp extract absorbs better with foods rich in healthy fats, such as nuts or avocado. For this reason, the best hemp oils tend to be combined with MCT oil.

From Science to Success: Make Every Product Count with Better Bioavailability

Understanding bioavailability helps you choose the most effective product and consumption method for your needs. For hemp products from Premium Jane Australia, consider factors like your goals, lifestyle, and preferences.

Always look for high-quality formulations that optimise absorption, such as those containing MCT oil or using advanced delivery technologies. Enhancing bioavailability ensures you get the most value and benefit from what you spend your hard-earned money on.