Good day.
In the lesson, you mentioned that liquid forms of vitamins do not have higher absorption rates than powders. Are there any studies on this? It mainly concerns fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D. In the case of a tablet, you need to consume some fat for the vitamin to be absorbed correctly, whereas with a vitamin dissolved in oil – that is, in drops – this is not necessary.
Thank you for your response.
The issue of nutrient absorption is a complex problem, as the process is influenced by a variety of factors - the chemical form of the substance, its binding to substances that promote absorption, the combination of the supplement with food or its consumption on an empty stomach, the age of the user, their metabolic profile, and health status... Furthermore, there is a difference whether you simulate conditions in the laboratory (in vitro) or try to observe in living systems (in vivo) the rate and level of nutrient absorption from food or supplements based on their release into the bloodstream. Generally speaking, liquid forms of supplements are absorbed more quickly than tablet forms (due to the time-consuming nature of disintegration) - however, this information does not mean that they are absorbed better or in greater quantities, it only addresses speed. Tablet forms of supplements are generally recommended to be taken with meals, where, in relation to the content of fat-soluble substances, it is likely that the diet includes a certain amount of fats, which positively influences the absorption of these substances. At first glance, it might seem that the liquid form is more advantageous (and it is certainly faster) - typical examples are liquid forms with calciferol. However, this is only theoretical information based on the evaluation of the situation under in vitro conditions.
Themes: Bioavailability
Questions answered by
Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system
Nutrition educator, lecturer, and author of the educational system and the ZOF learning application.
Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.
He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.
In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.