No two CBD products are alike. Each has its value, but if we look at the scientific stuff, in particular, how CBD is absorbed and broken down in the body, which is the best?
Here, we delve into a very important (and often overlooked) part of CBD use: bioavailability. We will review each method of CBD administration and how the body breaks it down to let you know how to get the most out of every last drop.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many active ingredients found in cannabidiol Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant’s mind-altering molecule, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which means it can’t give you a drug.
CBD (in the form of the drug Epidiolex) is currently recognized as an effective treatment rare forms of epilepsy. CBD also appears to have promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of many other mental and physical health conditions, including anxiety, inflammatory pain, fibromyalgiaand many more.
CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), a cellular signaling network involved in the regulation of countless biological processes, that is, our mood, appetite, sleep, immune activity, memory and much month. Although it is not entirely understood how CBD works, it is believed to support the function of the ECS, helping to maintain the body’s biological stability.
Because of its widespread health benefits, a growing number of people are choosing to incorporate CBD into their lives as a daily health supplement. Despite the many benefits of CBD science, some people may have found this CBD he has not done so it worked for them. Although there are many reasons why your CBD may not workthe bioavailability of the product may be overlooked.
Bioavailability: an overview
Per definition, bioavailability “is the potential for absorption of a substance by a living organism … usually expressed as the fraction that can be absorbed by the organism in relation to the total amount of substance available”. Simply put, it is the amount of active ingredient that the body can absorb into the bloodstream.
For CBD to be therapeutically effective, it must reach the ECS receptors through the bloodstream. Therefore, take a single dose of CBD; the more it is able to absorb the body, the greater its effect, and the less active ingredient is needed for the effects to be felt.
From a consumer perspective, bioavailability translates into virtually no cop you get for yours dollar. The higher the bioavailability of a product, the more it gets out of it.
How to take CBD: which is the best?
The absorption of CBD depends almost entirely on its route of entry into the body, better known as the method of administration or method of delivery. Understanding how CBD enters the bloodstream can help you determine which delivery method is best for you and calculate the desired dose. So let’s take a look at the bioavailability of some of the most Popular Ways to Take CBD:
CBD oil
The purest and most popular way to take CBD is in the form of oil. It is administered sublingually, where a few drops are placed and kept under the tongue before swallowing. Because it is a very dense capillary region, the sublingual method allows for rapid absorption. And because it ignores the liver and digestive system, it delivers CBD to the bloodstream in about 15-30 minutes, with maximum blood levels in about 2 hours.
Although research on the bioavailability of CBD oil has not been very conclusive, it is estimated that this figure is around 13-19%. However, some studies have found that the sublingual delivery method has a bioavailability of up to 35%.
Because taking CBD oil sublingually has a relatively high bioavailability and a quick onset of action, it is likely to be better for those seeking immediate relief from their symptoms. The beauty of CBD oil is that it controls the dropper; you can increase the dose on the days you need it most. Do you want to try it? Check out our guide the different types of CBD oil.
Oral CBD
CBD capsules, jelly beans, snacks, coffees and drinks are proving to be very popular ways of consuming CBD. They are ideal for those looking to avoid the strong taste of CBD oil, but may not be. quite so effective. This is because taking oral CBD has one of the lowest bioavailability of all forms of delivery, estimated at around 6%.
Why is that? Well, CBD is fat-soluble, meaning it doesn’t dissolve in water very easily. As a result, much of it is broken down by the digestive enzymes in the stomach before it has a chance to be absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, maximum CBD levels tend to be lower when taken orally.
That being said, oral CBD has its benefits. An animal to studyin particular, he found that the CBD consumed orally remained in the body for 4.2 hours, while the CBD injected was only 3.3 hours. These findings suggest that CBD capsules and jelly beans, for example, may have a more lasting effect than products with other methods of administration. Therefore, foods with CBD infusion may be best for those who after a constant daily dose build up in your system over time, rather than immediate symptom relief.
Vaping CBD
Inhalation is possibly the most effective and efficient way to introduce CBD into the bloodstream. Again, this method bypasses the digestive system and is absorbed through the lungs, directly into the bloodstream. Inhalation includes both smoking and vaporizing, but since the CBD flower cannot be obtained legally in the UK, we will focus on what CBD vaporizers offer.
How do CBD spray products work? When you inhale from a vaporizer pen, the electronic liquid with CBD infusion is heated and atomized to produce a vapor. Because CBD enters the lungs directly, it has a rapid onset of action: 10 to 20 minutes.
Inhalation has a high bioavailability. Its exact value is unknown, but it is estimated to be at any intermediate point 31-56%. Because a vape pen is easily transportable, many people choose to spray CBD on the go for immediate relief. However, despite its impressive bioavailability, the long-term effects of vaping are not yet known, so approach this method with caution.
Topical CBD
Topical CBD products, such as balms, gels, creams, and patches, are proving to be very popular among those who want to treat specific aches and pains. Transdermal delivery provides a slow, steady dose of CBD through the skin barrier, which is thought to provide direct relief to the skin, joints, or muscles.
But again, the fat-soluble nature of CBD complicates this method of delivery. Our skin has many layers, some of which are water soluble and act as a barrier to absorption. There has not been much research on the exact bioavailability of topical CBD products, but it is believed to be quite low: around 3%.
Instead, many brands add their CBD to an ethanol carrier to their topical products. This makes CBD more soluble in water, which it could almost do 4 times more absorbable through the skin. It may not be the most effective way to take CBD, but the transdermal delivery method is ideal for those looking for a slow, controlled, and targeted dose throughout the day.
Ways to increase the bioavailability of CBD
If you want to get the most out of your CBD products, there are some things you can do to optimize their bioavailability.
Hold the CBD oil under your tongue for longer
While some people like to add their CBD to coffee or smoothies, you get a lot more for your money by taking it sublingually. Holding the CBD drops under the tongue for at least 60 seconds allows the CBD to be absorbed longer before swallowing. The longer it stays there, the more it is absorbed, in theory.
Take CBD with food
For oral CBD, either in the form of foods with CBD infusion or CBD oil, the best thing you can do is take it with food, not on an empty stomach! Because CBD is fat-soluble, consuming it with a healthy high-fat meal or snack allows it to dissolve in food and, in turn, increase its absorption. Researchers they have even shown that giving CBD to animals in a fed state increases their bioavailability by 3.
Try a water-soluble CBD product
With the growing CBD industry, several brands have now ventured into the world of water-soluble CBD, usually in the form of tinctures, sprays or powders. Water-soluble CBD undergoes an emulsification process, which allows for greater absorption throughout the digestive system and bloodstream.
Increases the dose of CBD
While it may seem obvious, increasing your CBD dose can help your body get more, not just because you take more! Higher doses promote better absorption. For example, a dose has been increased from 5 mg to 10 mg shown to double the absorption, while increasing it from 10 mg to 20 mg can triple the absorption.
Try broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD
A broad or full spectrum CBD oil contains many other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Not only the combination of these allows you to benefit the follow-up effect, but some cannabis compounds may even increase the bioavailability of your CBD product. Various terpenes, such as limonene or myrcene, can act as fatty oils that improve the absorption of CBD into the body.
A summary of CBD delivery methods
Now that we’ve told you everything you need to know about CBD and bioavailability, let’s summarize it all.
Sublingual: Taking CBD oil sublingually gives a bioavailability of 13-19%, but this figure could be improved by keeping it under the tongue for longer. With a fast absorption rate, this delivery method is ideal for those who want immediate relief.
Oral: Edible CBD products, such as capsules or jelly beans, have a low bioavailability of approximately 6% unless taken with food. They can only offer low doses, but have a longer lasting effect than other products.
Inhalation: Vaping CBD has an impressive bioavailability, estimated at around 31-56%. Despite its rapid onset of action and high rate of absorption, the effects of CBD vape pens on lung health are still unknown.
Topical: Despite its low absorption rate (approximately 3%), topical CBD products provide a slow and steady dose. This is ideal for people looking for a consistent CBD delivery to a specific and problem area.
Want to diversify and try new CBD products? Take a look at ours definitive guide to Navigate the Many Ways to Take CBD
