Concentration and absorption are factors that go hand in hand for the proper use of nutritional supplements. Concentration, the amount of nutrient dissolved in a given amount of solution, is directly related to the efficiency of nutritional absorption. It is known that the greater the concentration,as milligrams of nutrient per milliliter of solution, at the absorption site, the greater the rate and amount of absorption. Because Isotonix solutions experience little dilution in the gastrointestinal tract, they arrive at the absorption sites in high concentration to assure efficient absorption.
The absorption of vitamins, minerals and other supplements takes place in the small intestine by several mechanisms known as active transport, passive diffusion, and facilitated diffusion. Active transport is an energy-requiring process usually stimulated by the presence of sodium in the lumen, the cavity or channel of the small intestine. This mechanism is important for the assimilation of vitamin C and many trace minerals. While this mechanism will work "up the concentration gradient," that is from a lower concentration in the intestine to the higher concentration in the body tissue, it is most efficient when there is a higher concentration in the small intestine.
Passive diffusion works only when the concentration in the lumen of the small intestine is higher than that in the membrane of the small intestine and the blood. For this mechanism to operate efficiently, there must be a concentrated solution of nutrient at the absorption site. For example, if there are more milligrams of niacin per milliliter of blood in the blood stream than there are in the solution of niacin that reaches the small intestine after ingesting a niacin supplement, the niacin will not be absorbed. Therefore, it is very important that very little dilution of the supplement occurs after ingestion.
Facilitated diffusion works best when there are certain nutrients present that help other nutrient molecules pass through cell membranes. For example, the active transport of glucose, a simple sugar found in Isotonix, across cell membranes facilitates the enhanced diffusion of some minerals.
Because of their physiological character (isotonic), Isotonix solutions undergo very little dilution in the body before they reach the absorption sites. They are the ideal vehicle for rapid nutrient utilization.
What is Isotonic?
Gastric Emptying Time
What's All This About pH?
The Isotonic Base
Absorption
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