Ingested foods, drugs and nutrient supplements pass through several biological environments prior to absorption. During this passage, they will traverse biological membranes, which form part of every cell in the human body. Each cell membrane is maintained in a delicate osmotic and electrophysiological balance, for optimal integrity.
Foods are digested and metabolized in three stages:
(1) Ingestion and digestion in the alimentary tract degrade whole foods into simple nutrients such as fatty acids, amino acids, nucleic acids, simple sugars, vitamins, minerals, coenzyme Q10, and numerous phytonutrients such as proanthocyanidins and carotenoids.
(2) Absorption of the macro- and micronutrients by the intestine and transport by the blood to cells throughout the body for chemical modification and incorporation into cellular molecules.
(3) Oxidation of nutrients such as fatty acids in the cell mitochondria for the production of energy-bearing molecules such as ATP and the generation of heat.
When nutrients are ingested, many factors affect the rate at which they are absorbed. For example, when a vitamin tablet is ingested, the vitamins in it should be released into solution in the stomach before they are passed into the intestine for absorption. So the dissolution of a vitamin tablet by gastric juice is a rate-limiting factor. The concentration of the solution after dissolution of the tablet can be another rate-limiting factor. If the nutrient concentration is high, it may be
Therefore, it becomes obvious that in formulating dietary supplements, it is essential to maximize the benefits by providing an increased rate of absorption and maximum use of active ingredients.
It is well established that the rate of intestinal absorption of nutrients is regulated by the stomach. Stomach emptying into the intestine is in turn regulated by osmoreceptors in the duodenum, which trigger opening and closing of the duodenal valve for emptying gastric content into the intestine for absorption. Such receptors are triggered by the osmotic pressure of the stomach content.
The osmotic pressure of a solution which is designed to be mixed readily with body fluids should have an osmotic pressure similar to body fluids. Such a fluid is termed isotonic and is more compatible with body fluids. An isotonic solution is more effective, safer, and faster to utilize. It empties faster from the stomach than a hypertonic solution, which has to be diluted before absorption and use, and is absorbed more effectively and with ease for maximum use and metabolism.
All biochemical and physiological processes require energy. Such energy is derived from macronutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Such energy sources are essential for maintenance, growth, repair, and energy production. These major nutrients are used by the body through the metabolic cycle, which requires enzymes, vitamins, coenzymes, and minerals.
To maximize efficacy and use of macro- and micronutrients, it is recommended that nutrient supplements be administered in an isotonic form.
What is Isotonic?
Gastric Emptying Time
Concentration and Absorption
What's All This About pH?
The Isotonic Base
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