Why Your Body May Have Problems

Absorbing Nutrients From Food

Nutrients in certain foods are not always easily digested. This is primarily due to the presence of compounds that block the absorption of essential nutrients (proteins, vitamins and minerals) within the digestive system. Properly referred to as “anti-nutrients,” these compounds are mostly found in plantbased foods, such as grains, seeds, nuts, leafy greens and legumes.

For example, oxalates are antinutrients commonly found in leafy green, nuts and seeds. This compound has a tendency to bind to the nutrient calcium, which inhibits the body’s ability to properly absorb it.

Another big reason people have difficulty properly absorbing nutrients from food can be directly related to age. Throughout the aging process, the body will lose its efficiency to properly absorb nutrients as well as it used to. The digestive process will begin to slow as the body produces less and less stomach acid required to absorb an adequate amount of nutrients. This is why vitamin deficiencies are seen at higher rates among senior individuals.

Nutritional supplements have been shown to combat deficiencies and boost the intake of nutrients that offer preventative benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic inflammation, well beyond those of a standard diet.

While vitamins are a great way to restore healthy levels of vital nutrients to the body, not all are created equal.

The bioavailability, or absorption rate, of a nutrient is highly dependent on both its form and rate at which it is absorbed.

Keep in mind, supplements have to pass through the entire digestive system before the body can absorb the nutrients they contain.

Once a vitamin is ingested and broken down in the stomach, it travels to the small intestine to be absorbed.

For decades, vitamins have been manufactured and sold in pill and powder form.

For these pills and powders to be efficiently absorbed, they must fully dissolve before they are sent to the small intestine.

Binders and fillers that are added to most of these formulas generally make it difficult for your stomach to break them down.

Whatever isn’t properly broken down and absorbed by the body is excreted through body wastes.