Why do I Need to Care About Bioavailability?

Supplement Research

Why do I Need to Care About Bioavailability?

by Cassandra Delage, Founder and CEO

Published June 11, 2024 — Last Reviewed March 28, 2024

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References

Excerpt

Understanding bioavailability can help mothers (to-be) to make informed choices when selecting prenatal supplements. By prioritizing high bioavailability, you’ll ensure that you and your baby-to-be receive the full benefits of the nutrients.

Introduction

Bioavailability is a critical factor when choosing any supplement. It’s one that is often overlooked by individuals and down-played by manufacturers. The latter is likely due in large part to the additional costs that can be associated with more bioavailable forms of a given nutrient. Yet the pivotal role that bioavailability plays in ensuring your body can absorb and utilize a nutrient effectively, can’t be understated.

So, what is Bioavailability exactly?

Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient that enters your bloodstream and is made available, either for use or storage, within the body. Said another way, it's the measure of how much of a nutrient your body can actually absorb and use, versus how much of it ends up in a white porcelain bowl. The more bioavailable a nutrient is, the more of that nutrient ends up circulating throughout your body in support of both you, and your baby-to-be.

Why Does Pregnancy Requires a Higher Availability?

Optimal Nutrient Absorption

Pregnancy demands a higher intake because you aren’t just supporting your own body, but that of another. More bioavailable forms of a given nutrient means that it will be more efficient in supporting both maternal health and fetal development.

Preventing Nutrient Deficiencies

Even with a well-balanced diet and supplementation, if the bioavailability of any given nutrient is low, your body may not receive the intended benefits. This increases the risk of nutrient deficiencies, which can have adverse effects on both you and your baby-to-be.

Reducing Discomfort

Pregnancy can come with any number of increased discomforts, but certain forms of nutrients are gentler on the digestive system than others, which can minimize discomforts such as nausea. Because bioavailable forms are more easily absorbed, they may contribute to a smoother and more comfortable journey for mothers (to-be).

Article image for Bia Article showing a mother and newborn holding hands

Choosing the Right Supplements

Look for supplements that prioritize bioavailability through —

Quality Ingredients

Ensure the ingredients in your prenatal supplement are in forms that your body can readily absorb. We’ve included a short-list of the more common nutrients at the end of this article.

Research-Backed Formulations

Opt for supplements formulated based on the latest peer-reviewed research. This ensures that the chosen ingredients and their forms are scientifically proven to be effective and bioavailable. This is most easily done by either seeing cited studies on a brand’s website, or by reaching out to the brand through their customer service channels.

Transparent Testing

Trust brands that conduct comprehensive testing on each and every batch, and who openly share the results. Rigorous testing validates the bioavailability claims, giving you confidence in the product. Again, this should be something that is well advertised, or at least available by contacting a brand directly.

"During pregnancy, there's a lot of emotions and less time for research. It's crucial to choose supplements that prioritize ingredient transparency and rigorous testing.”

— Valerie Pelletier, Birthworker, Doula

Examples of Nutrients and Their Forms

Calcium

Common form:

A more bioavailable alternative:

Calcium Citrate

Calcium Carbonate [1]

Vitamin B12

Common form:

A more bioavailable alternative:

Cyanocobalamin

Methylcobalamin [2]

Magnesium

Common form:

A more bioavailable alternative:

Chelated Magnesium

Magnesium Glycinate [3]

Folate

Common form:

A more bioavailable alternative:

Folic Acid

L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) [4]

Conclusion

Choosing prenatal supplements with high bioavailability ensures you and your baby get the most benefit from essential nutrients. Look for quality ingredients, research-backed formulations, and transparent testing to make informed decisions.

Title

References to the research cited in this article can be found in the "References" tab at the top of this page.

Contributors

Author(s)

Cassandra Delage

Founder and CEO of Bia

References

Bia follows strict article guidelines and only uses credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. In addition, when necessary, each article is reviewed by a member of our healthcare community to further ensure up-to-date information.

[1] Nicar MJ, Pak CY. Calcium bioavailability from calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1985 Aug;61(2):391-3. doi: 10.1210/jcem-61-2-391. PMID: 4008614.

[2] Matte JJ, Guay F, Girard CL. Bioavailability of vitamin B₁₂ in cows' milk. Br J Nutr. 2012 Jan;107(1):61-6. doi: 10.1017/S0007114511002364. Epub 2011 Jun 27. PMID: 21733330.

[3] Schuette SA, Lashner BA, Janghorbani M. Bioavailability of magnesium diglycinate vs magnesium oxide in patients with ileal resection. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 1994 Sep-Oct;18(5):430-5. doi: 10.1177/0148607194018005430. PMID: 7815675.

[4] Caudill MA. Folate bioavailability: implications for establishing dietary recommendations and optimizing status. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 May;91(5):1455S-1460S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2010.28674E. Epub 2010 Mar 10. PMID: 20219964; PMCID: PMC2854911.

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