WHAT IS THE MOST BIOAVAILABLE FORM OF CBD?

Table of Contents

What Is The Most Bioavailable Form of CBD?

Table of Contents

Summary

Introduction

What is CBD bioavailability?

How the Body Processes CBD

Can You  Increase the Bioavailability of CBD?

Factors Contributing to CBD Bioavailability

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

Summary

Naturally, consumers will want to get the maximum value out of their wellness products. With an ingredient as unique as CBD, it is no wonder there is a lot of talk about how to maximise bioavailability. For those unfamiliar with the term, bioavailability refers to the ratio of CBD that is absorbed into the bloodstream. Bioavailability is crucial to scientific CBD research as it provides essential data on how cannabinoids engage with the body via different delivery methods and product types.

It has been found that there are some factors CBD users can control to help improve bioavailability. This includes the form in which CBD is taken, dosage, product storage and the addition of beneficial ingredients such as high-fat foods, supplemental herbs and terpenes. Some aspects may be out of our control, such as various health conditions, but with a basic understanding of how CBD works in the body, consumers can get the most out of the natural cannabinoid compounds.

Introduction

CBD plays a dominant role in the wellness industry, and with many products having a high price tag, consumers want to get the most out of their investment. However, this compound’s natural benefits can hugely benefit those wanting to support a healthy lifestyle, and much can be done to help maximise its impacts.

Through a basic understanding of how CBD works on the body, consumers can make additions to support the delivery of cannabinoids – whether that is on the skin surface area or being absorbed into their bloodstream. Of course, how the body processes CBD will be dependent on the form and method of intake.

Official scientific research into CBD and its impacts on the human body is limited. However, we will see this change over time, and the industry will have a much better insight into the endocannabinoid system and how we process cannabinoids. This article explores the science behind bioavailability and what can be done to boost the potential effectiveness of CBD products.

What is CBD bioavailability?

Bioavailability is not a term specific to CBD – it is a scientific phrase used to reference the availability of all drugs and compounds to the body’s cells. In simple terms, it refers to the ratio of a substance that absorbs into the bloodstream.

When it comes to the bioavailability of CBD, its effectiveness is determined by how it reaches the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a series of receptors in the nervous system that interacts with CBD.

The quantity of CBD absorbed and used by your body will depend on your body’s mechanisms for absorption and elimination – known as pharmacokinetics. CBD compounds will also need to stay in your system for long enough to reach the relevant tissues and organs in the body.

Bioavailability is significant to scientific CBD research as it provides vital data on how compounds engage with the body through different delivery methods. In addition, it gives us a better idea of how CBD enters and interacts with the bloodstream.

How the Body Processes CBD

CBD comes in many different forms to suit the vast array of consumer preferences. The most popular types on the market include tinctures, balms, vapes, gummies, sprays and many more. Each form of CBD has its own benefits, and manufacturers are seeking to increase the bioavailability of their products so consumers can experience the maximum benefits.

Here are some of the methods in which the human body processes CBD and receives the potential benefits of the compound:

• Edibles – Just like the nutrients we get from healthy foods, when CBD is consumed in the form of an edible, your body processes the compound in your digestive tract. The CBD food product or capsule passes through your stomach and into your liver, where the metabolism occurs. Once it has been metabolised, CBD is released into your bloodstream.

The bioavailability of CBD when ingested is between 13% and 19%. This indicates that if you swallow 20mg of CBD, it will absorb around 3mg or less in your bloodstream. Those wanting a higher bioavailability from their CBD products will likely want to use tinctures instead of gummies, drinks, capsules or soft gels. This is because CBD tinctures are absorbed in your bloodstream more quickly when swallowed.

• Vapes – Vaping is one of the fastest ways of getting CBD into your bloodstream as it allows the compound to enter your lungs directly. Studies have shown that vaporising CBD can have a bioavailability of up to 56%, which is incredibly high. As a result, CBD vaping is often the preference of those who want to experience a fast compound delivery.

It Is worth pointing out that the temperature at which vaporisation is released impacts the effectiveness. If the CBD vape juices are overheated, some potential therapeutic benefits can be lost and even cause compounds to become hazardous.

• Oil Drops – Perhaps one of the most traditional ways of taking CBD, you can buy drops that are placed under the tongue. You will need to hold the CBD oil under your tongue for around 60 to 90 seconds while your mouth’s mucous membranes absorb it.

This method of CBD ingestion allows you to bypass the liver and digestive system. Instead, the compound is metabolised via your enzymes. Although sublingually applied CBD gets into your system more quickly than other edible forms – it still has less bioavailability than vaporise CBD.

• Topicals – The market for CBD topicals has grown hugely over recent years due to their popularity in the beauty and skincare sector. Many CBD topical products are available to try, from facial serums and creams to lip balms and body lotions. However, it may come as a shock to find out that topical use of CBD does not actually cause the compound to reach your bloodstream.

The potential benefits of CBD topical products come from the pores on the skin absorbing the compounds. The CBD is then transferred down to the inner layers of skin, known as your dermis. Although the permeability of skin to CBD is on the low side, some absorption does indeed take place. This is particularly true when the topical product is used liberally on the skin and applied in targeted areas.

Can You Increase the Bioavailability of CBD?

Not everyone likes the same form of CBD and would prefer to do what they can to increase the bioavailability of their chosen product. Here are some of the potential ways to improve the effectiveness of CBD reaching your endocannabinoid system:

• High Fat Foods – The bioavailability of CBD can be increased when put into high-fat food. CBD is highly soluble in fat, which means the chemical compound can be easily dissolved in fatty oils. These fats and fatty oils can break down large CBD molecules into smaller ones – making the compound more readily absorbable by your body. Some foods which work well with CBD include peanut butter, avocados, almond butter and nuts. It is also possible to dissolve CBD in olive oil, coconut oil, and hemp seed oil, making it simpler for the body to absorb it.

• Nanotechnology and Emulsification – CBD producers now use nanotechnology to create new and exciting CBD products (which are essentially emulsified). The emulsification process breaks down the CBD molecules into smaller ones. Research has found that the tinier and more dispersed the CBD molecules become, the more bioavailable CBD is. This is due to the smaller molecules passing through your system more easily and quickly reaching your bloodstream. Once the CBD has been micronised, it is added to an oil or water-based product.

• Supplemental Herbs – When CBD is consumed with some supplemental herbs, the compound’s bioavailability can increase even more. For example, chamomile flowers are great for preventing CBD from naturally breaking down in your body as it contains the compound apigenin. This compound can also be found in dark chocolate, celery, oregano, parsley and carob. In addition, you can take CBD with spicy peppers as they are rich in capsaicin.

• Piperine – This fantastic compound found in black pepper functions on many levels and can boost CBD absorption. Piperine stimulates the transport molecules in the intestinal lining responsible for transferring CBD through the intestinal membrane and into the bloodstream. Once CBD is absorbed, piperine slows down the enzymes that degrade CBD, giving it more time to reach its target tissue where it gets absorbed and utilised.

Many CBD manufacturers are adding piperine into their oral supplements as it has been recorded that there is a sixfold increase in the maximum concentration in the bloodstream compared to the same piperine-free CBD supplement.

One of the most practical additions to increasing the bioavailability of CBD is the use of supplemental terpenes. These are fatty oils that naturally occur in oils derived from almost all kinds of plants. Terpenes are also found to create the aromas and flavours found in herbs, fruits, flowers and other plants. In addition, they are also often used to flavour edibles like sweets and drinks.

Terpenes also occur naturally in hemp plants. They are extracted along with the CBD and other substances to formulate CBD products. All the compounds work together to increase the benefit of each other via a synergistic process called the ‘entourage effect‘. One of the benefits is increased bioavailability when terpenes and CBD are combined. Such terpenes include:

• Limonene – Found in lemons, lemongrass, and grapefruits.
• Alpha-pinene – Found in rosemary, juniper, eucalyptus, black pepper, sage, and coniferous trees.
• Menthol – Found in spearmint, peppermint and eucalyptus.
• Myrcene – Found in lemongrass, hops and mangoes.
• Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) – Found in rosemary, lavender and black pepper.
• Linalool – Found in lavender, bay leaf, coriander and cinnamon.

Factors Contributing to CBD Bioavailability

 

Before delving into the contributing factors of CBD bioavailability, you will first need to become familiar with pharmacokinetics. It is a term used to describe a compound’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. The pharmacokinetics of CBD are subject to many internal and external factors – some of which can be manipulated to work to the advantage of the user.

Some aspects may be out of our control, but the efficiency can be maximised by choosing the most suitable CBD administration. Below are some of the many variable elements of CBD pharmacokinetics:

• Medical Conditions – Some medical conditions can affect CBD absorption in specific ways. For example, the liver has an essential function in removing CBD to prepare it for exertion from the body. Therefore, if your liver is not fully functioning, it can impact the efficiency and length of time CBD stays in your body. Those with hepatic impairment may find that they have higher concentrations of CBD in their blood, and it takes longer to leave their system than those with healthy liver function.

Neurological health problems can also impact the bioavailability of CBD. One of the major studies was completed on patients with Huntington’s disease, who were given CBD over six weeks. It showed low peak levels of absorption without any beneficial effects.

• CBD Dosage – It may seem logical that the higher the dose, the better the absorption. This is correct to a certain point, such as with CBD oral sprays. An increase from 5mg to 10mg can double the absorption. It is also the case when increasing the dose from 10mg to 20mg, as it can see results of three-times higher absorption.

However, if users try a high dose of between 400 mg and 800 mg, the absorption rate will no longer rise as they have reached a threshold. This is partly due to the tissues already being saturated and unable to absorb more quantities of CBD.

• Fasting vs Saturation – As we learned above, CBD is fat-soluble, so it comes as no surprise that the absorption of CBD is much better when you use it with food compared to on an empty stomach. It is three to five times more absorbable, so the next time you administer your CBD, do so with healthy fat sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, or fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Food does not only help the CBD dissolve and break down into smaller parts that are easier to absorb – but it also helps slow down the cleaning processes responsible for removing CBD from the body. For example, when taken on an empty stomach, it can take nine times less time to be cleaned out of a system than post-meal or with-meal administration. The presence or absence of food can actually have a more significant effect on the cleaning process than CBD dose levels.

• Heat Treatment – As consumers are quickly learning, quality is key when it comes to choosing CBD products. Unfortunately, one common error that occurs with low-quality processing methods is the heating of hemp extracts converts the compounds into active but absorbed less effectively.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to determining the most bioavailable form of CBD, it may not be as straightforward as we would like. The rates are constantly affected by various factors – such as how the CBD is made, what form it is taken, the dosage and what it has been supplemented with.

Bioavailability is hugely important to your CBD experience as it affects how your body absorbs the compounds. Taking CBD orally is considered to have the lowest bioavailability level, but on the other hand, you may experience the potential effects of CBD for longer. Similarly, a transdermal application may not offer the highest absorption results, but it is excellent for those looking to target a specific external area on the body.

It comes to personal preference, so although sublingual and inhaling methods offer the fastest bioavailability rates, they may not always be what is best for you. Spend time finding the method which suits your needs and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is bioavailability important?

Bioavailability is an important factor for CBD as it is a key indicator of compound absorption. In addition, it represents the administered dose fraction that successfully reaches the systemic circulation when administered – whether that be orally or through any other extravascular dosing route.

Is bioavailability the same as absorption?

Absorption is the movement of CBD from the administration site to the systemic circulation. Bioavailability is the extent to which absorption occurs. In other words, bioavailability is the fraction of the administered drug that reaches the systemic circulation in the unchanged form.

What affects bioavailability?

There are many factors that affect bioavailability, from a person’s age, gender, physical activity, genetic phenotype, stress, and even medical conditions. This is one of the primary reasons why figuring out a CBD dose that is best for each user is crucial to experience the most out of what CBD has to offer.

How does the body metabolise CBD?

When CBD is ingested, it goes through the digestive system and to the stomach. From here, it enters the hepatic portal system, where CBD is transported to the liver. The liver metabolises the CBD molecules in a process called the “first-pass effect”, and then the CBD enters the bloodstream.

Does taking CBD sublingually bypass the liver?

Using the sublingual method to take CBD allows the user to bypass the digestive system and liver metabolism altogether. It then allows the compounds to reach the bloodstream more quickly as they can avoid being broken down by enzymes.

Does topical CBD actually work?

Although topical CBD products do not have the highest bioavailability, they do have their advantages. Topicals can be great for directly targeting specific areas, such as joints, muscles and skin. They can also be beneficial for those who find the taste of CBD unpleasant but still want to experience the potentials the compound has to offer.

How fast does CBD degrade?

The bioavailability of CBD will be at its best when using high-quality products which have been stored properly. Stability tests have indicated that CBD had a maximum degradation due to improper storage. When samples were stored at 37°C for 30 days, they showed average values of up to 20%. Light was also damaging but had a lower effect with average degradation values of up to 15% after 30 days.

What does lipophilic mean?

Lipophilic refers to the capability of a substance to dissolve in lipids or fats. For example, CBD is a highly lipophilic molecule meaning it dissolves easily in the fat content of food. Fats help increase CBD’s solubility, absorption and therefore bioavailability.

How are scientists working towards improving CBD delivery?

The CBD industry is constantly working towards improving bioavailability. One of the main areas of research includes self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS). These entail mixtures of oils, surfactants and solvents that create micro-sized droplets when they come into contact with an aqueous solution – such as in the gut. Due to the small nature of the droplets, it increases the surface area available for the CBD to be dissolved and absorbed.

Can you have too much CBD in your system?

There have not been many studies completed on the toxic levels of CBD. This is due to the ethical standpoint of carrying out such an experiment. However, a 2011 study indicates a toxic dose of CBD falls somewhere around 20,000 mg when taken at once. The consensus among experts is that even in extremely large doses, it is likely to cause some nasty side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea and lethargy – but not death.

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