Aloe vera and bioavailability—
It can improve the absorption rate of other nutrients
Nutrients are only beneficial if your body can absorb and use them. Bioavailability is a measure of the rate and extent that a nutrient or compound is absorbed into your bloodstream and “available” to your health system. The greater the bioavailability of nutrients, the more you will benefit.
Recent research performed by Dr. Joe A. Vinson at the University of Scranton showed that Aloe vera increases human bioavailability of vitamin C and vitamin E by 204% and 269%, respectively. (1)
Dr. Vinson performed his study by giving a “control” group 500mg of vitamin C and 420mg of vitamin E and collecting their blood periodically over a 24 hour period to measure levels of vitamins C and E. He gave his “test” group the same amount of vitamins C and E and also had them take Aloe vera juice at the same time.
He performed the same blood work and found that the test group had about three times more vitamin C and E in their system than the control group. This study is considered a breakthrough because, according to Dr. Vinson, besides Aloe vera no other single substance has been shown to improve the bioavailability of BOTH vitamin C and vitamin E, two of your body’s most important antioxidants. Plus, Aloe vera likely enhances the bioavailability of other nutrients as well.
Dr. Vinson’s performed a similar study in 2002, with an almost identical outcome.(2) He has not yet identified why Aloe vera enhances bioavailability, but speculates “perhaps Aloe stabilizes the vitamins in the gastrointestinal tract, so they are not decomposed before absorption.”
From other work done researching Aloe vera, it is known that this remarkable botanical adapts to systemic health needs. This is the latest scientific proof. Based on these findings, at NatureCity™ we recommend taking Aloe vera with foods you eat and your multivitamin to get the most out of your food and supplement dollars.
- Vinson, JA, Al Kharrat, H, Andreoli, L. Effect of Aloe vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and E. International Journal of Phytotherapy & Phytopharmacology. Nov. 2005;12(10):760(6).
- Vinson, JA, Al Kharrat, H, Andreoli, L. Department of Chemistry, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA.
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