Gamma Cyclodextrin: The Next Wave in Nutrient Absorption?
I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about supplemental ingredients being difficult for the body to absorb, and therefore of little use. And while that’s a common criticism of the natural health industry, it does contain a kernel of truth; nutrients have to be absorbed in order to be useful. One of the challenges that has occupied me over the years is how to make that happen.
Sometimes, nutrients that have already shown promise just need a little help to make them better and more effective. Curcumin from turmeric is a great example. It has been considered one of the plant’s most valuable compounds, but to get much benefit from it, large doses (up to 12 grams in some cases) were previously recommended. That’s why I prefer curcumin blended with turmeric essential oil for better absorption and bioavailability. Compared to standard extracts, this compound is 700 times better absorbed.
But what about nutrients that don’t have a related, almost “built-in”, aid to absorption? For example, how do you get fat-soluble ingredients to absorb into the bloodstream?
One answer is gamma cyclodextrin.
Gamma cyclodextrin is an oligosaccharide* that improves the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients by enveloping them in an open-ended microscopic structure, sometimes described as “bucket shaped” or as a “truncated cone.” The exterior of this molecule is water soluble, which allows it to escort ingredients through intestinal walls for better absorption.
However you want to think about it, the important thing to remember is that gamma cyclodextrin makes nutrients that would otherwise be difficult to use into much more beneficial versions of themselves.
Berberine, a compound people rely on to regulate blood sugar, reduce triglycerides, and protect DNA, can really benefit from being paired with gamma cyclodextrin. Typically, large doses of berberine are the standard for many practitioners because the absorption rate is normally so low, but paired with gamma cyclodextrin, this absorptionresistant nutrient could do its good work much more efficiently.
Other nutrients that become even more useful when paired to gamma cyclodextrin include CoQ10, red ginseng, and quercetin.
In fact, the case for combining CoQ10 with gamma cyclodextrin is an especially strong one: it’s been shown to boost absorption by as much as 800 percent.
Recent clinical work shows that the addition of gamma cyclodextrin to a proprietary red ginseng boosted the energy, stamina, and mental clarity effects of the botanical in individuals dealing with post viral fatigue. It appears that simply adding gamma cyclodextrin meant that people could experience the same benefits with just half the amount of red ginseng.
And quercetin, a natural ingredient that moderates allergic reactions and bolsters viral immunity, has extremely variable bioavailability. Combining it with gamma cyclodextrin may help deliver consistent levels to the bloodstream and make it a more reliable option for immune defense and fighting allergies.
Aside from absorption enhancement, gamma cyclodextrin has health-promoting properties all on its own. For example, research shows that gamma cyclodextrin lowered postprandial glucose levels by 47 percent, so if you struggle with high blood sugar, it can help balance those highs and lows following a meal.
I’m a huge advocate of bioavailable and bioactive forms of botanicals, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. And I think that gamma cyclodextrin, an ingredient that enhances absorption, and potentially so much more, has an exciting future in natural health.
Terry Lemerond is a natural health expert with over 45 years of experience. He has owned health food stores, founded dietary supplement companies, and formulated over 400 products. Terry shares his wealth of experience and knowledge in health and nutrition through his educational programs, including the Terry Talks Nutrition website, newsletters, podcasts, webinars, personal speaking engagements and several books. His continual dedication, energy, and zeal are part of his on-going mission — to improve the health of America.
* a plant-based ingredient
