TL;DR Bioavailability is how much of a supplement your body can actually use, not just swallow and flush out. To find bioavailable supplements, look for natural forms, research-backed products, simple ingredient lists, and trusted brands. Your body’s ability to absorb can also depend on factors like diet, age, and genetics, so choose wisely!
What Does "Bioavailable" Mean?
When you take a supplement, your body has to absorb it, move it into your bloodstream, and then use it where it's needed.
Bioavailability is a fancy word for how much of a supplement actually gets used by your body, not just swallowed and passed out as waste.1 If a supplement is very bioavailable, it means your body can use more of it.†
Think of it like this:
If you buy a big bag of apples, but half are rotten, you can't eat them all. Only the good apples are "available" for you to eat. The same goes for supplements. Only the part your body can use is truly available. This is why choosing bioavailable supplements is essential to get the most out of what you take.†
How Can You Tell if a Supplement Is Bioavailable?
There are a few ways to figure out if a supplement is bioavailable. Here are some tips:
- Check the Form of the Nutrient. Some forms of vitamins and minerals are easier for your body to absorb. For example, natural forms of vitamin E and some B vitamins are more bioavailable than synthetic ones.2,3 With vitamin B12, forms like methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are usually more bioavailable than the cheaper, synthetic cyanocobalamin.†
- Look for Studies. Reliable supplements often have studies showing how much gets absorbed. For instance, research has compared different types of vitamin D supplements and found that microencapsulated and oil-based forms are absorbed better than others.4 The best bioavailable supplements typically have scientific backing to support their effectiveness.†
- Consider Delivery Systems. How the supplement is made matters. Microencapsulation, micellization, and oil-based systems can improve how much your body absorbs.1†
- Watch Out for Fillers and Additives. Some supplements have extra ingredients that might block absorption. Simpler is often better.†
- Read the Label. Good supplements will tell you the exact form of the vitamin or mineral. If it just says "vitamin B12" without more detail, it might not be the best form.†
Why Does Bioavailability Matter?
You want your supplement to work, right?
If your body can't use it, you're wasting your money.
For example, the bioavailability of iron supplements can vary greatly depending on the form used, and the same goes for magnesium and zinc.5,6 Choosing the best bioavailable zinc supplement can make a big difference in how well your body utilizes it.†
Bioavailability also matters for safety.
If a supplement isn't absorbed well, you might take more and more, hoping to feel better. This can lead to taking too much, which can be harmful.†
How Can You Tell if a Supplement Comes from a Reliable Source?
Finding a bioavailable supplement is only half the battle. You also want to make sure it's safe and comes from a trustworthy company, like Seeking Health.
Here’s how:
- Look for Third-Party Testing. Reliable brands often have their products tested by outside labs, which check for purity, strength, and safety.6
- Check for Certifications. Certifications like NSF, USP, or ConsumerLab mean the supplement meets high standards.† As part of its quality standards, Seeking Health is independently registered by NSF to meet GMP requirements and is certified.
- Read Reviews and Research the Company. See what other people say. Does the company have a good reputation? Do they share information about where their ingredients come from?
- Avoid Wild Claims. If a supplement promises to cure everything, be skeptical. Reliable companies stick to the facts.
- Check the Ingredients List. Trustworthy brands list all ingredients, not just the active ones. Watch out for hidden fillers or allergens.
What Affects Bioavailability?
Bioavailability isn’t just about the supplement itself. Your body and your diet play a role, too.
- Food Matrix. What you eat with your supplement can help or hurt absorption. For example, taking fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, and K) with a meal that has some fat can help your body absorb them better.1†
- Digestive Health. If you have stomach problems like gut dysbiosis or take certain medications, your body might not absorb supplements as well.3
- Genetics. Some people have genes that make it harder to absorb certain vitamins. For example, some genetic differences like MTHFR can affect how well you absorb vitamin B12.3
- Age. As we get older, our bodies sometimes have a harder time absorbing nutrients.3
Common Myths About Supplements
Let’s clear up a few myths:
Myth 1 - "Natural" Always Means Better. Not always! Some natural sources are hard for the body to use, while some synthetic forms are very bioavailable.2,3
Myth 2 - More Is Always Better. Taking huge doses doesn’t mean your body will use it all. Sometimes, your body just gets rid of the extra.
Myth 3 - All Brands Are the Same. Quality and bioavailability can vary a lot between brands. You can always rely on Seeking Health for high-quality, scientifically backed supplements. We never make false promises and list all ingredients on our labels!†
Why Choose Seeking Health for Bioavailable Supplements?
When it comes to finding the best bioavailable supplements, Seeking Health is your go-to for your entire family!†
We focus on providing supplements designed for optimal absorption, using high-quality, science-backed ingredients and superior formulas created by Dr. Ben Lynch, N.D.†
Whether you’re looking for the best bioavailable zinc supplement or iron and magnesium options, Seeking Health offers products formulated with bioavailability in mind, helping you get the most out of your supplements.†
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right supplement can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Look for bioavailable forms, check for third-party testing, and read labels carefully. Remember, the best supplement is the one your body can actually use. If you’re not sure, talk to a doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you pick the right supplement for your needs.
Supplements can help fill in gaps in your diet, but they aren’t magic pills. Eating a balanced diet with lots of whole foods is always the best way to get your nutrients. Supplements should be just that—a supplement to a healthy lifestyle.†
Stay curious, read labels, and make choices that help your body get the most out of what you take! Trust Seeking Health for all your supplement needs!
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22897361/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31915511/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28223907/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31185696/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31330811/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39770891/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30753685/
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.