Absorption of vitamin supplements vs pharmaceutical drugs?

J

JBR

Senior Member
Location
Southern Canada mtn. valley, tad west of Rockies
What do you know? In the past, I seem to have read that drugs are absorbed in the stomach, but vitamins are mainly absorbed in the small intestine. I don't have any good websites at hand, so this post is sort of a request for info (or sites) readers may know.

I originally wanted info about this when thinking about taking pills shortly before sleep. I'm not on any prescribed medicine, but do sometimes take a naproxen or ibuprofen. So I'm inclined to believe vitamins are best taken well before lying down for the night... such as with a meal earlier in the day. While pharm-med pills (or liquids) can be beneficially taken before a night's sleep, maybe 10-15 minutes being ample.
 

Hardly anything is absorbed in the stomach other than a few things like alcohol and NSAIDS which is why both are risk factors for stomach ulcers. Always! take naproxen, ibuprofen or any other NSAID with food. Most everything else is absorbed in the small intestine.
 
AnnieA said:
Always! take naproxen, ibuprofen or any other NSAID with food. Most everything else is absorbed in the small intestine.
Click to expand...
Okay, thanks AnnieA. I usually use naproxen or ibuprofen for muscle strain. Well, if they are taken with food, might that slow their absorption, and hence the effect one is expecting to feel?
 

JBR said:
Okay, thanks AnnieA. I usually use naproxen or ibuprofen for muscle strain. Well, if they are taken with food, might that slow their absorption, and hence the effect one is expecting to feel?
Click to expand...
I’m sure food delays it some but protection against ulcers is paramount.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JBR
PeppermintPatty said:
Naproxen vs ibuprofen: What's the difference?

Naproxen and ibuprofen should be taken with an anti inflammatory drug to protect the stomach lining.

Vitamins , for the most part, should be taken with food.
Click to expand...

Naproxen and ibuprofen are anti-inflammatory drugs. They are in the NSAID drug classification which stands for Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug.

It doesn’t take long for NSAIDS taken without food to cause an ulcer. I’ve seen patients who had life-threatening bleeding ulcers due to NSAIDS in my 30ish years as a dietitian. A cousin of mine took them round the clock for a week without food for a pulled muscle and had to be hospitalized for a bleeding ulcer--she was otherwise healthy and in her 20s.


Overview of NSAIDS from Cleveland Clinic:
NSAIDs: When To Use Them and for How Long

What are NSAIDs?​

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are medications that reduce inflammation, pain and fever. There are many different types of NSAIDs, including nonprescription and prescription strength. Healthcare providers use them to treat a wide range of symptoms, from headaches and dental pain to arthritis and muscle stiffness.
You can buy NSAIDs in several forms, including:
  • Tablets or capsules.
  • Liquid.
  • Gels and creams.
  • Suppositories.

Which drugs are NSAIDs?​

Common nonprescription strength NSAIDs include:
Some of the most common prescription-strength NSAIDs include:

What do you use NSAIDs for?​

Healthcare providers use NSAIDs to treat:

How do NSAIDs work?​

NSAIDs stop your body from producing certain chemicals that cause inflammation. NSAIDs work like corticosteroids without steroid side effects.
Steroids are synthetic drugs similar to cortisone, a naturally occurring hormone. Like cortisone, NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation.

Procedure Details​

How long should I use an over-the-counter NSAID?​

Don’t use an over-the-counter NSAID continuously for more than three days for fever and 10 days for pain unless your provider says it’s OK. Over-the-counter NSAIDs work well for relieving pain, but you should only use them short term.
If your provider clears you to take NSAIDs for a long period of time, you should keep an eye out for harmful side effects like stomach pain or heartburn. If you develop side effects, your provider can recommend an alternative treatment.

Risks / Benefits​

What are the benefits of NSAIDs?​

NSAIDs are very effective for:
  • Reducing inflammation.
  • Easing pain.
  • Decreasing stiffness.
  • Reducing fever.

What are the risks of NSAIDs?​

Some people develop stomach ulcers from taking NSAIDs. To reduce your risk of ulcers, always take NSAIDs with food (preferably, a full meal).
While NSAIDs are effective for relieving symptoms, they don’t help your body heal. In fact, research suggests that these medications can actually slow your body’s natural healing process. A healthcare provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits of using NSAIDs and find a treatment that’s right for you.

Who should avoid NSAIDs?​

In general, you should avoid taking NSAIDs if you have:
You also shouldn’t take NSAIDs if you’re pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
Additionally, if any of the following apply to you, check with your provider before taking NSAIDs:
  • Children and teenagers with viral infections (with or without fever) shouldn’t take aspirin or aspirin-containing products due to the risk of Reye's syndrome (a rare but deadly illness that can affect their brain and liver).
  • Those who have an upcoming surgical procedure, including oral surgery.
  • People who have beverages containing alcohol every day.
  • Asthma that gets worse when taking aspirin.
  • If you’re 65 or older.

What are some common NSAID side effects?​

You may develop side effects if you take large doses of NSAIDs, or if you take them for a long time. Some side effects are mild and go away, while others are more serious and need medical attention.
Unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so, don't take:
  • Over-the-counter NSAIDs with prescription NSAIDs.
  • Multiple over-the-counter NSAIDs.
  • More than the recommended dose of NSAIDs.
Doing so could increase your risk of side effects.
The most frequently reported side effects of NSAIDs are gastrointestinal (stomach and gut) symptoms, such as:
Taking NSAIDs with food, milk or antacids may reduce your risk for these gastrointestinal symptoms. But if these symptoms continue for more than a few days, let a healthcare provider know.
Additional side effects of NSAIDs include:
If these symptoms go on for more than a few days, stop taking the NSAID and call a provider.

When To Call the Doctor​

When should I call my healthcare provider?​

If you have any of these side effects, call your healthcare provider right away:
Gastrointestinal/urinary
  • Black stools (poop) — bloody or black, tarry stools.
  • Cloudy urine (pee).
  • Blood in your pee.
  • Severe stomach pain.
  • Blood or material that looks like coffee grounds in vomit (bleeding may occur without warning symptoms like pain).
  • Inability to pee, or a change in how much you pee.
  • Unusual weight gain.
  • Jaundice.
Head (vision, hearing, etc.)
Possible allergic reactions and other issues

Additional Common Questions​

Is Tylenol (acetaminophen) an NSAID?​

No, acetaminophen isn’t an NSAID. It relieves pain and reduces fever. But unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen (like Tylenol®) doesn’t reduce inflammation.
Acetaminophen doesn’t cause as many gastrointestinal issues as NSAIDs, though. So, if you’re prone to stomach issues, acetaminophen might be a better option for you. Check with your provider if you have questions about what kind to take.

Can NSAIDs cause allergic reactions?​

It’s rare, but NSAIDs can cause a generalized allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. If this happens, it’s usually soon after you start taking the NSAID. The symptoms of this reaction include:
If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 (or your local emergency services number) or have someone drive you to the emergency room immediately.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
When your back aches, your head hurts, arthritis acts up or you’re feeling feverish, an NSAID can give you the quick relief you need. They’re safe when used correctly. But it’s not a good idea to take them if you have certain health conditions. Ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are right for you.
 
Last edited:
Paco Dennis said:
It is unfortunate that Medicare does not cover the cost of seeing a Dietician. :(
Click to expand...

They do but the paperwork is so onerous for the paltry amount reimbursed that most private practice dietitians and primary care clinics don’t fool with it. Of course they cover us in dialysis units, inpatient medical facilities and nursing homes so we can help eek out a few more years life (pharma profit) from end stage chronic patients who are on a minimum of five prescriptions per day, some on 15+

We’re the only ancillary care profession without adequate reimbursement. Having dietitians in front line clinic settings to educate and help patients control by lifestyle diseases such as Type II diabetes, hypertension, lipid abnormalities would keep people off lifelong meds which would negatively impact pharmaceutical company bottom lines.
 
Last edited:
I have been learning a lot about the gut biome. It is starting to feel like that it is responsible for most of our central chemistry. I will use my browsers search engine. It gives a summary of it's importance:

Gut Biome's Importance​

The gut biome, comprising trillions of microorganisms, plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Its significance can be summarized in the following key areas:
Digestion and Nutrient Absorption: The gut microbiome helps break down complex nutrients, such as fiber, and extracts essential vitamins and minerals. This process ensures optimal nutrient absorption and utilization.
Immune System Regulation: The gut microbiome produces immune-modulating compounds, influencing the development and function of the immune system. A balanced gut biome helps regulate immune responses, preventing excessive inflammation and promoting tolerance.
Brain-Gut Axis: The gut microbiome communicates with the central nervous system through the vagus nerve, influencing mood, cognitive function, and behavior. An imbalance in the gut biome has been linked to neurological disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Inflammation Modulation: The gut microbiome produces anti-inflammatory compounds, which help mitigate chronic inflammation associated with various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production: The gut microbiome ferments dietary fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that serve as an energy source for intestinal cells and modulate immune responses.
Host-Microbe Interactions: The gut microbiome influences gene expression, epigenetic marks, and cellular behavior, shaping the development and function of various tissues and organs.
Disease Prevention and Treatment: An imbalance in the gut biome, known as dysbiosis, has been implicated in various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders, and cancer. Restoring a balanced gut biome through probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary interventions may offer therapeutic benefits.
In summary, the gut biome’s importance lies in its multifaceted roles in digestion, immune regulation, brain function, inflammation modulation, and host-microbe interactions, making it a critical component of overall health and disease prevention.
Follow up
I would love to work with a nutritionist with optimizing my gut biome!! :)
 
My instincts and what I read tell me that the best nutrient absorption takes place when we eat real foods. Thus I try to my supplements with a meal if I really need a supplement. .
 
What I have read about vitamins and supplements is that they should usually be taken with at least some food, or a drink like juice. The digestive system does not recognize a pill or tablet as food, so it just passes right on through the stomach, and if it does not get dissolved soon enough, then it passes right on out of our body, unused. When you eat food along with the supplement, then the body makes the necessary digestive enzymes and the pills get digested right along with the food.
Liquid or powder supplements have a better chance of being digested without food.

Here is a book about nutritional supplements A-Z Guide that Amazon has on sale in the Kindle store today for only $1.99. Always check the price before buying because these sales only last a day and then the book is back up to regular prices.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW6TM3V3
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top