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The EvidenceFive studies. One consistent finding.
Anyone can claim better absorption. These are the studies behind our claim — what was measured, and what came back.
The premise being tested. Bioavailability studies from hundreds of peer-reviewed publications consistently show that a reduction in particle size increases absorption. The question isn't whether the principle holds — it's how much difference it makes to a real formulation, and whether it survives contact with a human being rather than a cell culture.
The following work was conducted with the Division of NanoMedicine, MIT Health & Disease Research, under Robert J. Nicolosi. Each study compares a conventional preparation against a nano-emulsion version of the same compound.
The five clinical studies
Vitamin E: micro-emulsion vs. nano-emulsion
Efficacy of delivering vitamin E (tocopherol) as a micro (10⁻⁶) particle versus a nano (10⁻⁹) particle, measured by antioxidant activity — specifically the reduction of reactive oxygen species in cell culture.
Nano-emulsion vitamin E was 100× more active than micro-emulsion vitamin ECurcumin: DMSO preparation vs. nano-emulsion
Efficacy of DMSO-prepared curcumin compared against nano curcumin, measured by inhibition of cell proliferation in tumor cells.
5-fold greater inhibition of cell proliferation with the nano-emulsionLutein for age-related macular degeneration
Efficacy of lutein in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration at a dose of 6mg per day, comparing standard delivery against nano delivery.
Improvements of +151% and +251% on the measured endpointsTransdermal vitamin E delivery
Regular versus nano transdermal delivery of vitamin E (D-tocopherol), measured by appearance in the blood after topical application. Relevant to cosmeceutical and topical formulation.
Topical nano-emulsion vitamin E appeared up to 4× more in the bloodHuman pharmacokinetics
Twenty subjects were followed over twelve hours. Each had blood drawn at the outset to establish a baseline, and every subject began at 0.0mg. Each then received a single oral dose of 4.12cc of nano material, amounting to 10.9mg of active. Blood was drawn every hour for twelve hours.
Average absorption of 83% at one hour, with a maximum of 94%The conclusion drawn: nano absorption adds significant bioavailability. Onset was quick, and the duration of availability to the body was long-lasting.
The number we quote, and where it comes from
18% baseline
Published research places the bioavailability of many standard oral actives between 6% and 18%. Less than 55% of all orally ingested supplements ever reach the cell.
Nutra Metab Insights. 2016; 9: 25–30
Up to 94% with NanoZorb®
Our lab testing places absorption of nano-processed actives at up to 94% — roughly five times the leading conventional oil-based delivery.
83% average
The average absorption measured at one hour in the twelve-hour, twenty-subject human pharmacokinetic study described above.
Why smaller particles absorb better
Fat-soluble nutrients like carotenoids and coenzyme Q10 tend to cling together in the digestive tract, which makes them difficult to absorb. Nano-sizing increases the contact area with the absorptive cells of the digestive lining, and absorption rises accordingly.
The arithmetic is the whole story. Take one nutrient particle and turn it into millions of smaller particles, and you multiply the absorbable surface area — making the one act like a million. Reduce particle size below roughly 200 nanometers and the compound's ability to pass through tissues and cells improves dramatically, while its exposed surface area increases.
There is also a second-order effect worth understanding. Because highly concentrated nano formulations are absorbed through the circulatory system, they reduce first-pass liver metabolism — the mechanism that quietly destroys a meaningful share of every conventional oral dose before it ever reaches circulation.
Myth: an active works best on its own.
The belief that combining a compound with other ingredients dilutes it, and makes it work less well.
Fact
As with all phytochemicals, the function of a compound can be enhanced when it's combined with other phytochemicals that perform a similar function. Designing those synergies is a core part of formulation — not a compromise of it.
How we design synergistic blendsThe future of this industry is all about the ability to advance absorbability using enhanced delivery technologies and synergistic blends.MaxVera R&D
Studies referenced on this page were conducted on specific compounds under specific conditions and are provided for business-to-business informational purposes. Results vary by compound, dose, formulation and route of administration. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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