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Can changes in hydrophobicity increase the bioavailability of alpha-tocopherol?
Evelyn I Back1, Claudia Frindt, Erika Oćenásková
1University of Hohenheim, Institute of Biological Chemistry and Nutrition, Garbenstr. 30, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
European Journal of Nutrition
|March 15, 2005
Summary
This study shows that a novel water-soluble vitamin E nutritional supplement (NS) significantly improves bioavailability compared to conventional supplements. This enhanced absorption may benefit individuals with impaired fat digestion, such as those with cystic fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pharmacokinetics
- Supplement Development
Background:
- Conventional oral supplements often show insufficient bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins.
- This is particularly problematic in conditions with impaired fat digestion and absorption, like cystic fibrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the bioavailability of a novel nutritional supplement (NS) featuring water-soluble vitamin E (AQUANOVA solubilisate) in gummi bear form.
- To compare the bioavailability of this NS against conventional vitamin preparations.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 14 healthy subjects assessed bioavailability over three days, testing the NS by sucking and swallowing, and a reference product by swallowing.
- Blood samples were collected over 320 minutes post-ingestion.
- Plasma concentrations of vitamins E and C were analyzed using HPLC and colorimetric methods, respectively.
Main Results:
- The area under the curve (AUC) for alpha-tocopherol was significantly higher when the NS was sucked compared to conventional products.
- Maximum plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol increased significantly more when the NS was sucked or swallowed compared to conventional products.
Conclusions:
- The novel nutritional supplement utilizing AQUANOVA micellised, water-soluble vitamin E demonstrates significantly higher short-term bioavailability than regular supplements.
- This NS is slated for further clinical efficacy testing in cystic fibrosis patients.