Supplements and Absorption

Updated on May 14, 2011
S.J. asks from Cherryville, MO
7 answers

I would love to hear from some moms who have knowledge about absorption of vitamins(in pill form). From what I recall from my nutrition classes, the body is only able to absorb a very small amount of a supplement in pill form. (my recollection is the average absorption is about 15%, but I could be remember incorrectly). Are there any reliable websites that could provide me with this info? Also, if our body doesn't absorb the pill and is unable to use it (or does absorb some of the pill but it is the useless part, such as the coating), then why are prenatals any different?

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So What Happened?

The data I have came from college professors, so they sold me nothing but my pricey education.

More Answers

L.C.

answers from Kansas City on

generally the human body is only able to absorb about 10-15% of over the counter vitamins because a lot of them are either a) loaded with fillers that block the bodies ability to absorb b) have conflicting vitamins and minerals that cross each other out c) it is an amount your body physically cannot handle at one time, etc.

i actually have a big file on vitamins and lack of them, etc. I would post it here, but i think it is too long? If you want it, please feel free to PM me. i would be happy to e-mail it on over to you. I work in health education and i am a bit of a nerd and love researching. lol. so i have just compiled some files for my own use. and dont worry, i dont sell anything. the info is all unbiased. lol.

5 moms found this helpful
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A.F.

answers from Fargo on

Hi S.! I am sure you already know this, but I would definitely stay away from information given out by supplement companies that state that their research found that their product is the best! :)

Every company I have ever looked into states that it's the ONLY one that absorbs well, the ONLY one to have independent research, the ONLY one that _________ (insert amazing scientific find here)......

There are whole food vitamins in pill form. Those are the ones I would trust the most. The company that I trust the most is Standard Process.

If you find any info, pass it on to me! I do know that my OB told me that prenatals are almost useless.

Good luck and great question!

1 mom found this helpful

J.S.

answers from Hartford on

You cold try SparkPeople.com but I haven't been on there in a while.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

A good website to go to is www.nutritiondata.com as it is much more thorough than most. The downside is that it is not terribly user-friendly to the average person (i.e. you're not a masters level dietitian or researcher...and that doesn't describe me!) but if you don't mind doing some digging and reading, you may find what you're looking for. I like it but at times it gives me a headache!

I'm not knocking supplements but personally, I'd rather get my vitamins and minerals from the best 'supplement' out there - food! Best bio-availability, tastes great. At the same time, however, I do understand the importance for many of taking a supplement. But you're right, the body typically does not absorb everything from a pill. Some pills are better than others. Some people who take a gazillion supplements because they think the supplement will help with their <fill in the blank> problem are really just peeing them out, so they should just take their money and flush it down the toilet!

Try nutritiondata.com - it's a good one, even if it is a bit boring!

1 mom found this helpful

J.G.

answers from St. Louis on

I really don't have a lot of data on this subject. What I have noticed is those that say pills don't absorb well tend to be selling the vitamins in a non-pill form.

I am sure it is just me but when data is presented to support a sale I don't trust it.

1 mom found this helpful

M.W.

answers from Chicago on

Hi S.

Here's a brief description of the vitamins I take. The same manufacturer also has prenatals. I became aware of the prenatals after my first child was born. However, during my second pregnancy, I told my doctor that I wanted to take this brand of prenatals. These prenatals proved to work better than the prescription prenatals she had me taking during my first pregnancy. The proof was in the results from the sugary drink they make you drink around 6 months. This time around with these prenatals, there was no need for additional iron.

"Oligo binds minerals to organic compounds to mirror the way they are naturally found in fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods. Proven by science to be up to 10 times more available for absorption than the competition. Traditional mineral forms can crystallize in the intestines, making them difficult to absorb. Oligo helps keep minerals soluble in the intestine—where nutrient absorption takes place."

S., if you'd like a brochure I can email you a pdf one. Just inbox me and let me know what email address to send it to.

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M.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Dr Oz says the best vitamins are the ones that you take 2 (for example the GNC MEga Woman)-this way you can take them at different times for better absorption.

You should go into a local vitamin shop and ask. They are usually very knowledgeable about this kind of thing.

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