Unlocking nutrient potential: Lubrizol Life Science explores innovations in ingredient absorption

01 Nov 2023 --- In the constantly changing field of nutrition and well-being, experts are continually exploring ways to achieve the best possible bioavailability of crucial nutrients to ensure their efficacy. Nutrition Insight continues its conversation on the topic with Alan Connolly, R&D manager of nutraceutical ingredients at Lubrizol Life Science, Health.

Last week, Connolly, alongside experts from Gencor and Balchem, discussed the latest bioavailability trends and research, highlighting the importance of maintaining functionality through digestion, absorption factors, delivery technology and multi-ingredient solutions.

Stressing the significance of ingredient absorption in the context of nutraceuticals and supplements, Connolly reminds us that “micronutrient deficiencies are affecting people worldwide. Deficiencies such as iron, vitamin A, zinc, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D and iodine have severe consequences, including reduced immunity, congenital disabilities, blindness, reduced growth, cognitive impairment and even death.”

“Some of these nutrients are not very bioavailable. Therefore, there is a big focus on solutions that aim to improve the stability and bioavailability of nutrients in nutraceutical formulations.”

Overcoming limited ingredient absorption 
As the world grapples with widespread micronutrient deficiencies, the urgency to enhance the stability and bioavailability of vital nutrients is pressing. Connolly asserts that supplements are essential to addressing various micronutrient deficiencies, but poor absorption remains a hurdle.Micronutrient deficiencies are affecting people worldwide, according to Connolly.

“For example, iron deficiency is estimated to be the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency worldwide and is the most significant cause of anemia. Iron supplementation is a recognized way to tackle iron deficiency. However, there are some issues with iron supplements currently available in the market.”

He explains that these issues can include a metallic off-taste, poor iron absorption or side effects such as stomach upset, constipation and nausea. “Innovations focus on improving iron bioavailability, helping consumers achieve optimal iron intakes while bypassing some of their side effects or challenges through iron supplementation.” 

“Particle size is an important aspect of ensuring absorption in the body. In general, smaller particles are absorbed easier, and micronization and high-pressure homogenization are commonly used.”

Powerful combinations 
Connolly outlines that it has been shown that the combination of some ingredients can increase the bioavailability of nutrients or have a detrimental effect on absorption.“For example, the mineral can be combined with other ingredients to boost iron absorption.”

“Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is one of the most popular ingredients combined with iron, being present in a significant percentage of iron supplements. It has been observed that its combination significantly increases iron absorption. Vitamin C can reduce the physical state of iron to its absorbable form,” he adds.

However, he underscores that several dietary inhibitors in nutrition limit the absorption of certain nutritional supplements. 

“Regarding iron absorption, calcium, phytates and polyphenols are known dietary inhibitors that do not allow an effective absorption of iron throughout the body. Phytate and polyphenols are the major iron absorption inhibitors in plant-based foods because they make a complex with dietary iron in the gastrointestinal tract in a comparable way.” 

Another way to overcome undesirable ingredient interactions highlighted by Connelly is by utilizing microencapsulation techniques on the ingredients that are prone to interfere with the absorption. This can help isolate the component through a protective layer without compromising its bioavailability.

Iron absorption innovation 
Connolly tells us more about the multiple technologies Lubrizol Life Science employs to ensure the vital absorption of its iron supplement products. 

“Our microencapsulated iron, Lipofer microcapsules, combines multiple technologies to enhance iron absorption with low gastric irritation. It has several proven benefits. The bioavailability of iron has been shown in a clinical trial to improve iron status in healthy people in as little as four weeks.” 

The technologies used ensure the product’s “pleasant taste,” which helps consumers stick to recommended daily intakes, finish the supplementation, does not lead to digestive tract effects and allows for a reduced interaction with other active ingredients. 

Microencapsulation technologies offer improved bioavailability and functional properties for formulators.

Microencapsulation technologies offer improved bioavailability and functional properties for formulators.

Besides increased bioavailability, Lubrizol Life Science’s microencapsulation technologies also offer “improved functional properties for formulators, including water dispersibility, organoleptic properties and reduced interactions with other active ingredients.” 

According to Connolly, these technical advantages can enable formulators to develop “more complex applications, resulting in lower overages and more stable products.”

Micronization and encapsulation technologies
Liposomes — small and spherical lipid vesicles — have long been thought to offer the highest bioavailability, but they can only be used in liquid applications, explains Connolly. They can degrade during standard processing conditions and are very expensive to produce.

“For powder applications, a different particle delivery system is required. The Lipofer product combines micronization and encapsulation technologies to deliver a product that is very stable and can be used in both powder and liquid applications while still ensuring maximum absorption in the body.” 

“We are currently developing a microencapsulated vitamin C source that is both protected from oxidation and water dispersible without compromising its bioavailability, thereby enabling the formulation of stable liquid supplements. We also have a source of microencapsulated curcumin, branded Curcushine microcapsules, with superior absorption and proven clinical data showing it improves overall skin appearance.”

There are several problems with some nutrients in terms of “off-taste taste, reactivity, interaction with other ingredients and unwanted color changes, among others,” that must be solved to obtain “stable, bioavailable and good-tasting products” that also prevent consumers from possible side effects such as “tract irritation caused by the intake of nutraceutical formulations.”

Connolly concludes: “Lubrizol has applied its core technological competencies to overcome issues related to off-taste taste, reactivity, interaction with other ingredients and color change by developing specialized microencapsulated expertise that combines multiple technologies to ensure the delivery of nutrients with optimum performance.”

By Milana Nikolova