Nutritional supplements are immensely popular and consumed worldwide. In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than half of all adults consume one or more nutritional supplements regularly or occasionally. Nutritional supplements are available in several different types of formulations for individuals to choose from– including capsules, softgels, tablets, powders, gelcaps, bars, gummies, and liquids. But which is the better format? 

In this post, we will focus on comparing the most popular forms: gummies versus capsules. This article will additionally highlight several bioequivalence studies that compare gummies and tablets, and explain why you should consider including an advanced supplement formulation in your diet. The links below can be used to jump ahead to different topics on the page. 

What are Gummy Supplements?	Benefits and Drawbacks of Gummy Supplements
Gummies versus Capsules: A Comparison	Considering Advanced Supplement Formulations
Frequently Asked Questions About Gummy and Capsule Supplements

What are Gummy Supplements?

Gummy supplements is any type of chewable supplement that has been fortified with a specific vitamin, mineral, botanical compound, or a combination of such. The base ingredients of these chewable gummies are gelatin (or agar agar as a common vegan alternative), sugar, cornstarch, water, and added flavor and/or colorings. With appealing flavors, colors, and shapes, their texture and taste are similar to gummy candies, and hence, gummy supplements are more palatable than supplements in capsule, tablet, and powder formats.  

Benefits and Drawbacks of Gummy Supplements

Gummy supplements contain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients that your body can need if you are not eating a balanced diet. However, certain drawbacks to gummy supplements can negatively impact your health. 

Pros: Unlike supplements in powder or tablet form, which are not always palatable, the fruity flavors and candy-like taste of gummy supplements make them very user friendly. The flavors and shapes of gummy supplements make them appealing to children and adults alike. They are easy to chew and are preferred over swallowing supplements in capsule or tablet forms. 

Cons: The appealing taste of gummy supplements is due to the presence of added sugar. It is estimated that most gummy supplements contain 2-8 grams of sugar per serving, and hence, they can become an unexpected source of added sugar in the diet. Even sugar-free gummy supplements can contain sugar alcohols that are listed under Total Carbohydrates on the product label. Over-consumption of sugar alcohol can cause diarrhea and bloating, and the safety of the artificial food colorings used in many gummy supplements is still being investigated. 

There are also many added ingredients in gummy forms of supplements, making it difficult to tailor to one’s religious or dietary food restrictions.   

The appealing flavors of gummy supplements can lead to over-consumption, which, in turn, can cause side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea, or worse, mineral toxicity and the potential risk of liver damage.

Therefore, it is critical to pay attention to the recommended use when taking a gummy supplement to avoid the risks of overdosing.

Gummies versus Capsules: A Comparison

Before comparing gummy supplements versus capsule supplements, let’s first understand the bioavailability of nutrients in supplement formulations. 

The bioavailability of a nutrient refers to the amount that enters the bloodstream. After a nutrient enters the bloodstream, it should then cross the targeted cell membranes so it can exert its beneficial effects. However, the low natural absorption and bioavailability of certain nutrients can adversely affect their beneficial potential. And taking a supplement in higher amounts does not necessarily increase its absorption; instead, it can cause adverse side effects. 

The extent of a nutrient’s absorption and bioavailability directly impacts its beneficial effects. When considering gummy supplements versus capsule supplements, you might wonder which is more bioavailable. The bioavailability of any supplement is partially dependent on the eventual dissolution in the body of the supplement preparation, which determines its absorption. The supplement’s coating can also affect its dissolution. 

Gummies Versus Capsules: How Do They Dissolve?

Gummies are chewed and their dissolution begins in the mouth when combined with saliva. The process of dissolution continues in the stomach, with further dissolution in the small intestine. 

In contrast, capsules have a shell typically made of gelatin. The active nutrients inside the capsule can be in the form of powder, granules, or liquid. The gelatin shell dissolves in the stomach or bowel and the nutrient molecules are released then. Time-release capsules are designed to release their active ingredients slowly.  

Gummies Versus Capsules: Bioequivalence Studies

Bioequivalence is the property where two supplement types with identical active ingredients display similar bioavailability and produce the same effect at the site of their physiological activity.

The following table highlights several bioequivalence studies that compare the efficacy of gummy supplements versus capsule supplements. 

Gummies versus Capsules: Which is More Bioavailable?
Bioequivalence study of vitamin D gummies and tablets in healthy adults: In initial and confirmatory studies that compared bioavailability between a single oral dose of a vitamin D3 gummy versus a tablet in healthy adults, both the gummy and the tablet preparation had a peak vitamin D3 concentration at around 10 hours. In the confirmatory study, the gummy vitamin D3 preparation displayed a greater bioavailability than the tablet preparation.1
Bioequivalence study of vitamin C gummies and caplets in healthy adults: In a study that evaluated the bioequivalence in healthy adults of vitamin C in a gummy formulation and a comparator caplet, both formats demonstrated similar plasma absorption profiles, highlighting similar vitamin C absorption and bioavailability.2
Iron absorption in gummies versus tablets: A study that compared iron absorption from a gummy with iron absorption from a tablet found that the gummy resulted in an increased and rapid absorption of iron, posing a potential risk of toxicity when taken in overdose.3
Bioequivalence study of multivitamin gummies versus tablets: A clinical trial investigating the bioequivalence of vitamin E, vitamin B12, and folate in a single oral dose of a gummy versus a tablet found that both the gummy and the tablet form showed similar absorption of vitamins E and B12. Folate was more rapidly absorbed in the gummy form.4

Although studies do show increased bioequivalence of nutrients when in a gummy form, here are some important considerations for capsule supplements beyond just availability: stability and shelf life, dosage accuracy, low sugar content, fewer additives, versatility in formulation, and reduced risk of dental issues.

Considering Advanced Supplement Formulations

Whether it is a gummy, a capsule, or a tablet, the absorption and bioavailability of the nutrients in the nutritional supplement depend on how well the supplement is formulated. Whereas, conventional supplement formulations often fail to enhance nutrient bioavailability, advanced formulations can improve the absorption and solubility of the active nutrients by utilizing innovative nutrient delivery approaches, such as: 

• Microcapsules
• Nanoparticles
• Nano-liposomes
• Solid dispersion systems
• Cyclodextrin inclusion compounds  

The following table highlights the features of an advanced supplement formulation. 

Features of An Advanced Supplement Formulation
Enhanced Absorption: With enhanced nutrient absorption, there are fewer risks of unpleasant side effects caused by unabsorbed nutrients in the gut.
Targeted release: Advanced delivery techniques that enhance nutrient absorption and bioavailability enable targeted release of the nutrients.
Micro-Dosing: The more bioavailable a nutrient is, the smaller amount that is required to achieve the desired health benefit. Optimally bioavailable nutrients enable micro-dosing of nutritional supplement formulations to achieve the desired health benefits.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Gummies Versus Capsules

The following are frequently asked questions (FAQs) about considering including a nutritional supplement in your diet. 

Gummies versus capsules — which works better?  

Consult your healthcare provider to determine which format works best for you. Gummies or capsules, when taken according to the suggested use, can be equally effective with similar plasma absorption profiles. However, gummy supplements typically have a shorter shelf life than capsules or tablets because of their susceptibility to absorbing moisture, which degrades them faster.  

Can I take a gummy or capsule supplement with a prescription medicine?

Some nutritional supplements can cause a prescription medication to break down faster than usual, making it less effective. Some nutritional supplements can slow down the breakdown of a medication, making it stay in the body longer and causing side effects. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking a gummy or capsule supplement with a prescription medication. 

What should I look for when selecting a gummy or capsule supplement?

Read the product label to determine the active nutrients present in the supplement, whether it’s a gummy or a capsule. The product label will also provide information about the inactive ingredients, such as colors and flavors, as well as the expiry date. Always choose a nutritional supplement manufactured by a trusted and reputable manufacturer. 

How do you determine the efficacy of a gummy or capsule supplement?

The enhanced bioavailability and absorption of the active nutrients are critical indicators of a supplement formulation’s efficacy.  

Tesseract Medical Research’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology encases each active nutrient molecule, protecting it from premature breakdown during transit through the stomach. The accompanying DexKey® reactors enable targeted delivery of the active ingredient molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract for enhanced absorption. The result is unprecedented absorption of the active nutrients in lesser amounts than previously required to achieve the desired health benefit.

Tesseract Medical Research complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to ensure the purity, potency, and composition of our nutritional supplements. We utilize the most advanced analytical techniques and a well-designed quality control system to develop the finest quality nutritional supplements.  

References: 

¹Wagner CL, et al. Nutrients vol. 11,5 1023. 7 May. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11051023

²Evans M, et al. Journal of the American College of Nutrition vol. 39,5 (2020):422-431. doi:10.1080/07315724.2019.1684398

³Linakis JG, et al. Pediatric Emergency Care vol. 8,6 (1992):321-324. doi:10.1097/00006565-199212000-00003

⁴Wagner C, et al. Current Developments in Nutrition vol. 4,Suppl 2 1846. 29 May. 2020, doi:10.1093/cdn/nzaa067_073

More than two-thirds of U.S. adults take some form of nutritional supplement. Growing awareness about nutrition and lifestyle and the marketing of nutritional supplements as an option to promote health and wellness have contributed to their popularity. The U.S. nutritional supplements market is flooded with products, including vitamins, minerals, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and probiotics. From conventional capsules, tablets, and powders to mass-appealing gummies, drinks, and energy bars, nutritional supplements are available in multiple formats. 

When you are considering a nutritional supplement to promote your health and wellness, the obvious question is how to choose a supplement brand. Therefore, in this post, we will explain the key factors you should consider when choosing an excellent supplement brand, and why you should always choose an advanced supplement formulation. Use the links below to jump ahead to a topic of interest.

What Makes A Trusted Supplement Brand?	The Basics of Bioavailability
Understanding Delivery Technologies	How to Choose A Supplement Brand? A Checklist
Selecting an Advanced Supplement Formulation

What Makes A Trusted Supplement Brand?

Before considering including any nutritional supplement in your diet, you should remember that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate nutritional supplements in the same way as over-the-counter and prescription medications. Supplement manufacturers may sell products without first submitting to the FDA evidence of safety and efficacy of a supplement’s ingredients. This makes it difficult to choose a supplement brand that addresses your nutritional support needs. 

Whether you are browsing the websites of online supplement retailers or shopping the aisles at your local pharmacy to find the right supplement for you, the following pointers will help you determine a reliable brand. 

• Labeled information about the supplement: A supplement brand should display on the product label all the information about both the active and inactive ingredients in the formulation and the recommended daily use of the product.

• Relevant third-party certification: Independent third-party testing organizations, such as NSF International, provide testing of nutritional supplements, including label claim review, toxicology review, and contaminant review. A supplement manufacturer highlighting such third-party certification on the product label adds credibility to the brand name. 

• No misbranding or false advertising: A reputable supplement brand avoids inaccurate or misleading claims about the product or its ingredients. 

Now that we’ve looked at how to determine a reliable brand, let’s look deeper into how supplements interact with your metabolism.

The Basics of Bioavailability

No nutrient is completely absorbed in the body. The proportion of a nutrient that is digested, absorbed, and metabolized through normal body pathways is called its bioavailability. So, the amount of a nutrient present in a supplement formulation does not ensure its efficacy. Instead, the bioavailability of the nutrient makes the difference in its efficacy. 

A nutrient’s bioavailability depends on several factors, including: 

• Chemical properties of the nutrient.  The natural solubility and stability of a nutrient, along with its interactions with the various proteins and enzymes in the body, will impact its bioavailability. 

• Its route of administration. A nutrient can be consumed through oral, nasal, sublingual, buccal, and intravenous routes. The bioavailability of a nutrient is often affected when taken orally owing to factors such as dissolution, transit time, intestinal permeability, biotransformation, and gastrointestinal and liver metabolism. 

• The type of formulation. A supplement’s formulation type (solid or liquid) impacts the bioavailability of its ingredients.  

For example, the naturally low molecular stability of curcumin results in its poor oral bioavailability. As a result, a standard curcumin supplement might provide only minimal health benefits. In contrast, a highly bioavailable curcumin supplement offers significant health-promoting benefits even when a comparatively smaller amount is used. 

The following table highlights the importance of nutrient bioavailability in formulating better supplements. 

How Do Bioavailable Nutrients Make Better Supplement Formulations?
Enhanced Absorption: Unabsorbed nutrients remaining in the gut can cause unpleasant or adverse side effects. For example, unabsorbed supplemental iron can cause constipation and bloating. Optimal absorption increases nutrient bioavailability and lowers the risks associated with poor absorption.
Targeted release: Advanced delivery techniques enable targeted delivery of nutrients to enhance their absorption and bioavailability.
Micro-Dosing: The more bioavailable a nutrient is, the smaller the amount required to achieve the desired health and wellness benefits.

Of course, enhancing nutrient bioavailability and manufacturing supplements with bioavailable ingredients is expensive. This is why not all nutritional supplements are effective. You should always choose a supplement brand that is committed to creating nutritional supplements with optimally bioavailable nutrients.  

Understanding Delivery Technologies

Ineffective bioavailability through nutrient co-supplementation might improve their bioavailability but sacrifice the formulation’s tolerability and safety. For example, piperine, a component of black pepper, makes curcumin more bioavailable; however, excessive piperine can cause side effects, such as loose stools. 

The following table highlights advanced pharmacological approaches that can avoid ineffective bioavailability enhancements. 

Types of Delivery Technologies
Solid dispersion systems: A nutrient that is otherwise poorly soluble in water is enveloped in a hydrophilic carrier to increase its solubility, surface area, and dissolution rate.
Microcapsules: The active nutrient is encased in lipids, proteins, or polysaccharides to protect the nutrient from degrading during transit through the stomach.
Nano-liposomes: Lipid-based nanocarriers enable the controlled release of the encapsulated nutrients.
Nanoparticles: Nanoparticles can carry multiple nutrients in a single formulation, enhancing their overall bioavailability, solubility, and retention time.
Cyclodextrin inclusion compounds: Cyclic oligosaccharides produced from starch or starch derivatives enhance the overall solubility, stability, and bioavailability of nutrients.

How to Choose A Supplement Brand — The Checklist

When you choose a supplement brand, you should primarily focus on the safety and efficacy of the brand’s products. The information you gather about a supplement brand from its website and from its product labels should satisfy your concerns about the purity and potency of the ingredients. The following checklist can help you with your search for finding the best nutritional supplement brand.

How to Choose A Supplement Brand: A Checklist
What is on the supplement product label? The label should list both the active ingredients, as well as the inactive ingredients, such as fillers, binders, and flavorings. Serving size (suggested use) and servings per container should also be listed.
Is the supplement certified? Is the product certified by an independent third party, and is the facility where it is manufactured (Good Manufacturing Practices) GMP-certified? Such information should be available on the brand’s website or on the product label.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established Good Manufacturing Practices that supplement makers must comply with to ensure the purity and composition of their nutritional supplements. Although the FDA does not approve nutritional supplements before they are marketed, the FDA does periodically inspect supplement manufacturing facilities.
Is advanced technology used? Is proprietary/patented technology developed by the brand utilized to enhance nutrient bioavailability? Remember, enhanced nutrient bioavailability translates to formulation efficacy and adds credibility to the brand.
Any other information? A trusted supplement brand should have more information about its products, ingredients used in the products, nutrient delivery technology, and other helpful consumer information available on its website.

While ticking off the checklist, you should be aware of: 

• Misleading certification: Brands claiming ‘Non-GMO certified’ or ‘USDA Organic’ can be highlighting the sourcing of the ingredients, which does not necessarily ensure the safety and efficacy of the supplement’s formulation. 

• False or misleading claims: A brand can claim that the supplement promotes or supports a specific health function, but such claims should be followed by a disclaimer that the claim has not been evaluated by the FDA and that the supplement is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  

Selecting an Advanced Supplement Formulation

Now that you know how to choose a supplement brand, your final decision is selecting advanced supplement formulations from such a brand. 

Tesseract Medical Research is a trusted supplement brand that is widely recognized for its innovative formulations developed with advanced nutrient delivery technology. Tesseract supplements are formulated with proven nutrients that utilize the most scientifically advanced analytical techniques and a well-designed quality control system at a GMP-certified manufacturing facility. 

Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology enables the targeted delivery of active nutrient molecules while maintaining nutrient integrity during its transit through the gastrointestinal tract. CyLoc® technology encases each molecule and creates nano-sized particles. The accompanying DexKey® reactors release the CyLoc®-enclosed molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract for maximum absorption. 

Tesseract’s revolutionary technology enhances the bioavailability of nutrients, such as curcumin and glutathione, which are naturally difficult-to-absorb molecules. The unprecedented absorption of nutrients also enables micro-dosing, which means a lower amount of the active ingredient can be used in the supplement’s formulation than previously required to achieve the desired health-promoting benefits.

Although not commonly found on many menus in the West, you may want to consider adding natto to your diet to support heart health and optimal blood flow after reading this article.*

Those new to this traditional Japanese breakfast of fermented soybeans often notice a distinct texture and nutty smell and flavor they may not be familiar with. However, natto is considered a ‘superfood’ owing to its high natural content of vitamins, minerals, protein, and dietary fiber. Studies indicate that natto may be one of the factors that contributes to the longevity of the Japanese population, where it has been consumed as a dietary staple for more than a thousand years. 

Recent research has established the health-promoting benefits of nattokinase—the enzyme released by the bacteria during the fermentation of soybeans. In this article, we’ll discuss nattokinase and vascular health and why you should include an advanced nattokinase supplement in your diet. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page.

What is Nattokinase?	Pharmacological Properties of Nattokinase
Cardioprotective Effects of Nattokinase	Nattokinase and Vascular Health
Including An Advanced Nattokinase Supplement in Your Diet	Frequently Asked Questions About Nattokinase Supplements

What Is Nattokinase?

Nattokinase, the most active ingredient in natto, is produced by the bacterium Bacillus subtilis during the fermentation of soybeans. Natto’s fermentation biproducts are glutamic acid and polyglutamic acid, both known for their vascular health-promoting benefits.* Chemically, nattokinase is a serine protease enzyme that displays strong fibrinolytic activity—meaning it helps prevent blood clots, enhances vascular permeability, and promotes heart health.* 

Nattokinase was first extracted from fermented soybeans in 1987. In commercial nattokinase production, fermentation conditions are optimized, including the temperature, pH, and fermentation time, to enhance its yield. Several other nutrients, including yeast extract, glycerol, shrimp shell powder, and soy peptone, have also been investigated for their ability to enhance nattokinase yield.

Because nattokinase is considered a safe and all-natural supplement for supporting vascular health,* commercial nattokinase supplements are widely used in Japan, Korea, China, the European Union countries, Canada, and the United States for its beneficial fibrinolytic activity and to enhance blood circulation.*

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Pharmacological Properties of Nattokinase

The following table highlights some of the key pharmacological properties of nattokinase. 

Pharmacologic Properties of Nattokinase
Fibrinolytic activity*	Fibrin, an insoluble protein, is produced in response to bleeding. Fibrin helps stop bleeding by forming blood clots. However, an excess of fibrin can form excessive blood clots that could adversely affect heart or brain functions. Nattokinase degrades fibrin directly.* Indirectly, it also increases the release of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA)—an enzyme that converts plasminogen into its active form, plasmin, which breaks down blood clots.*1  Nattokinase also activates other fibrinolytic enzymes, such as pro-urokinase.*
Enhancing Blood Flow*	The formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel is called thrombosis. Thrombosis can obstruct blood flow and is a common underlying cause of several adverse cardiovascular conditions.In an animal study on a thrombus in the common carotid artery, the activity of nattokinase in inhibiting clot formation was stronger than that of other thrombolytic agents, such as plasmin or elastase.*2
Antioxidant activity*	Nattokinase exerts beneficial effects on oxidative injury-mediated arterial thrombosis and inflammation-induced thrombosis3 and helps maintain a healthy inflammatory response.*
Lipid-lowering activity	Nattokinase exerts a direct antioxidant effect, inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), reducing lipid peroxidation, and enhancing lipid metabolism.*4
Neuroprotective activity	The neuroprotective activity of nattokinase is associated with its ability to relax vascular smooth muscle, to protect endothelial cells through enhanced fibrinolytic activity, and to facilitate thrombolysis.*5

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Cardioprotective Effects of Nattokinase

Prior to the 1980s, there was limited knowledge about the mechanism of action by which nattokinase exerted its cardioprotective effects.* Extensive research now shows that the fibrinolytic activity of nattokinase, in addition to its antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and neuroprotective activities, contributes to its role as a cardioprotective agent. The following table highlights how nattokinase promotes heart health.* 

Nattokinase and Heart Health*
It helps maintain normal blood pressure.* Angiotensin II, a peptide hormone, causes the muscular walls of small arteries to constrict, which can increase blood pressure. Nattokinase contains relatively strong natural inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) — a key enzyme responsible for the production of angiotensin II.*6
It helps maintain smooth and supple arteries. Nattokinase’s natural beneficial thrombolytic activity is associated with helping to maintain healthy blood flow in the arteries.*7
It helps maintain normal platelet aggregation.* Although aspirin is commonly prescribed as a blood thinner to restrict blood clotting, the long-term use of aspirin can be associated with serious gastrointestinal side effects. Nattokinase has no such adverse effects on gut health and shows an excellent ability to help maintain normal platelet aggregation.*8
It helps improve lipid metabolism. In a clinical study on the effect of nattokinase on individuals with an excess of fat or lipids in their blood, nattokinase helped maintain normal levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol.*9

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Nattokinase and Vascular Health*

Various human and animal trials have shown the correlation between nattokinase and vascular health and how the enzyme provides cardiovascular support by helping to thin the blood and maintain normal blood clotting.  

• Nattokinase helps maintain normal blood clotting by directly hydrolyzing fibrin and plasmin substrate.* 
• Nattokinase converts endogenous pro-urokinase (a plasminogen activator) to urokinase (uPA).*
• Nattokinase increases tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), which supports fibrinolytic activity.*

Notably, unlike other common fibrinolytic proteases (uPA and t-PA), nattokinase has no adverse side effects, such as bleeding, which makes it a potent fibrinolytic enzyme for helping to maintain normal blood flow and clot formation.* 

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Including An Advanced Nattokinase Supplement in Your Diet

Because nattokinase can resist high temperatures (up to 50 degrees Celsius) and high pH (up to 10), it remains intact in the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike most proteins, nattokinase is relatively resistant to the highly acidic gastric fluids in the stomach, so it can be absorbed in the later sections of the digestive tract. 

In a human study on the serum pharmacokinetics of nattokinase, intact nattokinase was detected in the blood of healthy participants after they were administered a single oral dose of nattokinase (2000 FU/ 100 mg) in a capsule.¹⁰ Furthermore, it has been observed that nattokinase’s oral intake enhances its fibrinolytic activity in the blood.*¹¹ Nattokinase’s oral intake promotes the beneficial release of tissue plasminogen activator from vascular endothelial cells and inhibits the level of plasminogen activator inhibitors.*

However, nattokinase’s large molecular size can make it susceptible to chemical oxidation and subsequent inactivation in the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, various nano-delivery methods have been explored to enhance its stability. An advanced nattokinase supplement formulation can optimize its absorption and bioavailability to achieve nattokinase’s many health-promoting benefits.*  

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Frequently Asked Questions About Nattokinase Supplements

There has been extensive research on nattokinase and vascular health, establishing the cardioprotective effects of the compound. The following are frequently asked questions (FAQs) about nattokinase supplements for vascular health. 

What is the recommended amount of nattokinase for daily intake? 

In human clinical studies, the no-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of nattokinase is 10 mg/kg for daily oral intake for 28 days.¹² Currently, the recommended use of nattokinase as a nutritional supplement is two capsules (100 mg/capsule) daily.   

Can I take a nattokinase supplement with a prescription medicine?

Although nattokinase is considered safe for oral intake, its potential contraindications with prescription drugs, such as blood thinners, and resulting side effects are relatively unknown. Consult your healthcare provider before taking a nattokinase supplement alone or with a prescription medication. 

What should I look for when considering a nattokinase supplement?

A nattokinase supplement formulation should optimize its absorption and bioavailability. Look for a supplement formulation that utilizes advanced nutrient delivery nanotechnology and is developed through advanced production and purification technologies. 

Tesseract Medical Research has developed an innovative formulation, NattoGuard, which contains a potent combination of nattokinase and two plant terpenes, borneol and trans-cinnamaldehyde, to support optimal heart health.* Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc^® —DexKey^® nutrient delivery nanotechnology enhances nattokinase’s bioavailability by protecting it from degradation during transit through the stomach and ensuring its targeted delivery at the desired point in the intestinal tract. The resulting unprecedented absorption and optimal bioavailability make NattoGuard a cardiovascular health-promoting reality.*  

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References:

¹Hsia C-H, et al. Nutrition Research (New York, N.Y.) vol. 29,3 (2009):190-196. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2009.01.009

²Fujita M, et al. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin vol. 18,10 (1995):1387-1391. doi:10.1248/bpb.18.1387

^3,4Iwai K, et al. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry vol. 50,12 (2002):3597-3601. doi:10.1021/jf0117199

⁵Ji H,, et al. European Journal of Pharmacology vol. 745 (2014):144-151. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.10.024

⁶Okamoto A, et al. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands) vol. 47,1 (1995):39-47. doi:10.1007/BF01088165

⁷Suzuki Y, et al. Life Sciences vol. 73,10 (2003):1289-1298. doi:10.1016/s0024-3205(03)00426-0

⁸Jang J-Y, et al. Laboratory Animal Research vol. 29,4 (2013):221-225. doi:10.5625/lar.2013.29.4.221

⁹Ren NN, et al. Zhonghua yi xue za zhi vol. 97,26 (2017):2038-2042. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.0376-2491.2017.26.005

¹⁰Ero, MP, et al. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine vol. 19,3 (2013):16-19.

¹¹Fujita M, et al. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin vol. 18,9 (1995):1194-1196. doi:10.1248/bpb.18.1194
¹²Lampe BJ, English JC. Food and Chemical Toxicology: an International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association vol. 88 (2016):87-99. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2015.12.025

Updated on April 24, 2025

Article Summary:

• Glutathione limits oxidative stress, an underlying cause of decline in cognitive function.*
• Various studies highlight the role of glutathione in maintaining normal cognitive function and promoting neurological health.*
• Glutathione’s low absorption and bioavailability hinder its efficacy as a nutritional supplement. 
• Tesseract’s proprietary nutrient delivery nanotechnology enables optimal solubility of the ‘master antioxidant’ to help achieve its health-promoting benefits.  

Oxidative stress is an underlying cause of age-related cognitive function decline. It slowly builds up as a result of the aging process, exposure to chemical stressors, parasympathetic nervous system activation, and unrepaired stress damage. Antioxidants that help the brain cope with oxidative stress, such as glutathione, are, therefore, excellent candidates for helping to maintain cognitive function.*  

Because the level of glutathione depletes with aging, cognitive functions can be adversely impacted. Glutathione is involved in various metabolic processes, including regulating cellular division and differentiation, detoxification, immune cell function, and scavenging circulating reactive oxygen species (ROS).* Glutathione directly interferes with the oxidation of cellular proteins and limits oxidative stress.* Owing to the close relationship between cognitive function and oxidative stress, glutathione is a well-indicated candidate for helping to maintain cognitive function during aging.*   

This article explains the benefits of glutathione for brain health and how Tesseract’s glutathione formulation enables optimal absorption and bioavailability of the body’s ‘master antioxidant’.  

Exploring Glutathione for Brain Health

Extensive research has studied the role of glutathione in brain health. The following table highlights studies that have established the beneficial correlation between glutathione and neurological health.*

Glutathione for Brain Health*
Lower glutathione level and mild cognitive impairment: In a study assaying glutathione concentrations in the blood of individuals with mild cognitive impairment, all 25 participants with mild cognitive impairment had markedly lower glutathione levels than the study’s 53 control participants.1
Location and oxidation state of glutathione and mild cognitive impairment: A study found that increased ratios of oxidized glutathione to its unoxidized state in the anterior and cingulate cortices of the brain were associated with symptoms of mild losses of cognitive function.* Participants in the study who were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment had 2.2 to 2.9 times as much oxidized glutathione in their brain as the healthy controls.2 A high concentration of oxidized glutathione in the brain can mean there is insufficient glutathione to remove the ROS that are circulating, indicating significant levels of cellular stress.
Glutathione supplementation to maintain normal cognitive function: Researchers studied whether glutathione infusion could rescue cells that had been artificially stressed by ROS and various other toxins in vitro. When glutathione molecules were infused into neurons exhibiting high levels of neuronal stress, their concentration of signaling molecules associated with cellular stress was reduced by 50 percent.3 This finding suggests that glutathione supplementation could be a viable option for helping to maintain normal cognitive function.*

Although glutathione supplementation presents a potentially promising method of maintaining healthy cognitive function, the compound is aggressively and rapidly metabolized by the liver, and dietary glutathione rarely makes it into the bloodstream to capture ROS. Highly bioavailable glutathione supplements contained in sophisticated delivery systems can traffic the molecule through the first pass of metabolism to increase its bioavailability.  

The Potential of Glutathione Supplementation

The most modern nutrient delivery systems incorporate nanotechnology that encapsulates glutathione in a sphere of fat molecules. After surviving first-pass metabolism, the glutathione supplement needs to find a way to cross the blood-brain barrier so it can scavenge ROS and benefit cognitive function.*

With the right glutathione supplement, the brain’s concentrations of glutathione can be sufficient to help maintain healthy cognitive function.* SafeCell®, developed by Tesseract Medical Research, is an innovative glutathione supplement that solves glutathione’s bioavailability and absorption challenges. 

SafeCell’s acetylated glutathione formula utilizes Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery technology to achieve the benefits of glutathione for brain health.* The CyLoc® technology encases glutathione molecules for safe passage through the stomach, and the accompanying Dextrin® reactors release the active glutathione molecules at the desired point in the gastrointestinal tract to achieve their optimal absorption. 

References: 

¹Rinaldi P, et al. Neurobiology of Aging vol. 24,7 (2003):91591-9. doi:10.1016/s0197-4580(03)00031-9

²Duffy SL, et al. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association vol. 10,1 (2014):67-75. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2013.01.005

³Lee M, et al. FASEB Journal: Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology vol. 24,7 (2010):2533-2545. doi:10.1096/fj.09-149997

The cardiovascular system comprises the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries and provides blood supply throughout the body. The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems help the circulatory system respond to various stimuli to control the amount and velocity of blood carried through the vessels. 

Various factors, such as genetic conditions, infections, lifestyle, and aging, can impact the optimal functioning of the circulatory system. Circulatory dysfunction adversely affects the heart and blood vessels, restricts blood flow throughout the body, and can be the underlying cause of several cardiovascular conditions. 

In this post, we discuss the circulatory system, factors that affect its functions, how certain nutrients can support it, and why you should include the best circulation supplements in your diet to promote heart health. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page.

Circulatory System: An Overview	Risk Factors Affecting Circulatory Functions
Best Circulation Support Supplements: How They Promote Cardiovascular Health	Including an Advanced Circulation Supplement in Your Diet
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Circulation Support Supplements

Cardiovascular System: An Overview

The cardiovascular system is categorized into two loops: 

• Systemic circulation: It allows oxygenated blood and nutrients to reach the rest of the body. 
• Pulmonary circulation: It allows the oxygenation of the blood. 

Let’s understand how the various components of the cardiovascular system work. 

• Heart: It pumps blood through the vessels directly into the arteries, particularly the aorta or the pulmonary artery. 

• Blood vessels: These include the arteries, veins, and capillaries. 

• Arteries: They carry blood away from the heart and are divided into large and small arteries. Large arteries receive the highest blood flow pressure and are, hence, thicker and more elastic. 

Smaller arteries, such as arterioles, have more smooth muscles for contraction and relaxation to regulate blood flow to different body parts. Arterioles face relatively smaller blood pressure and account for most of the resistance in the pulmonary circulation.  

• Veins: Veins transport blood back to the heart and contain valves to prevent the backflow of blood. 

• Capillaries: Capillaries branch off of arterioles and are a single-cell layer that exchanges nutrients, gases, and wastes with tissues and organs. 

Further, micro-circulation consists of a network of small blood vessels—arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. The micro-circulatory network, along with the interstitium and lymphatic vessels, helps maintain the homeostasis of tissues and the entire circulatory system. 

Risk Factors Affecting Cardiovascular Functions

Several risk factors can affect the optimal functioning of the cardiovascular system and accordingly increase the risks of adverse cardiovascular conditions. The following table highlights various risk factors that can compromise the cardiovascular system.

Risk Factors Affecting Cardiovascular Functions
Health conditions: Health conditions, such as high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels, pose risks to the circulatory system.  High blood pressure refers to the elevated pressure of the blood in arteries and other blood vessels. If not controlled, then it can damage the vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, and brain. Unhealthy blood cholesterol levels can cause narrowing of the arteries and decrease blood flow to other parts of the body. Various metabolic conditions, such as high blood glucose levels and unhealthy weight management, can also adversely affect the circulatory system.
Lifestyle: Eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and salt is linked to adverse heart conditions. Increased intake of alcohol and tobacco use raises blood pressure levels and has negative impacts on circulatory functions.  A sedentary lifestyle increases the chances of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and high blood glucose levels, which, in turn, adversely affect cardiovascular functions.
Other factors: Factors such as genetics and family history, race and ethnicity, age, and gender also play a role in conditions that can adversely affect the circulatory system. When combined with unhealthy lifestyle choices, these factors elevate the risks of unhealthy cardiovascular conditions.

Best Circulation Support Supplements: How They Promote Cardiovascular Health

Your dietary choices significantly impact your cardiovascular system. Food sources that are high in sodium, sugar, unhealthy fats, and low in fiber can compromise venous function.¹ A balanced diet for circulatory health should consist of fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich foods, and foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Adequate hydration is also critical to maintaining cardiovascular health. 

A research study has highlighted that nutritional supplements, such as folate, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and calcium, are beneficial for achieving positive cardiovascular outcomes.² Furthermore, regular intake of probiotics enhances cardiovascular health by minimizing oxidative stress. 

The following table highlights several key nutrients that support circulation, the food sources that are rich in those nutrients, and their benefits. 

Best Circulation Support Supplements, Their Food Sources, and Benefits
The B Vitamin Family (B1, B6, B12, and Folic Acid)	B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins found in various foods, including fortified cereals, whole grains, lentils, bananas, liver, shellfish, and eggs. Vitamin B1 promotes better blood circulation through endothelium-dependent vasodilation — the widening of arteries and veins. Vitamins B6 and B12 minimize instances of blood clot formation in veins. Folic acid enhances endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the peripheral circulation.
Vitamin C	Citrus fruits, bell peppers, cherries, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables, and white potatoes are rich sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects vascular vessels from the harmful effects of oxidative stress.
Vitamin E	Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is contained in various fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and cooking oils, including wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, soybean oil, pumpkin, red bell peppers, spinach, and avocado. Vitamin E helps modulate multiple molecular mechanisms, limiting blood clot formation within veins and arteries and maintaining a natural inflammatory response in blood vessels.
Citrulline	Citrulline is an amino acid found in pumpkin, squash, cucumber, melons, and watermelon. Citrulline enhances L-arginine and nitric oxide (NO) levels, which increases blood flow and induces vasodilation.
Coenzyme Q10	CoQ10 is a fat-soluble compound synthesized in animal tissues. Food sources rich in CoQ10 include oily fish, organ meats, and whole grains. CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant to resist aging and the dysfunction caused by oxidative stress in vascular endothelial cells. CoQ10 supplementation helps alleviate various adverse health conditions associated with blood vessel dysfunction or insufficiencies.
Lipoic Acid	Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, red meat, and organ meats are rich in the naturally occurring compound lipoic acid. Lipoic acid enhances endothelial function by increasing the bioavailability of endothelium-derived NO and functioning as an antioxidant by limiting oxidative stress and adverse inflammatory reactions.
Nattokinase	Is an enzyme released by bacteria during the fermentation of soybeans. The traditional Japanese meal of fermented soybeans is the richest source of nattokinase. Nattokinase supplementation helps limit hardening and narrowing of arteries, restricts the formation of blood clots, and lowers blood pressure.

Although these nutrients can be obtained in the diet, nutritional supplements are also a suitable alternative for obtaining them to further support a healthy cardiovascular system.* 

Including An Advanced Circulation Support Supplement in Your Diet

NOX Flo SR^TM is an advanced cardiovascular health supplement developed by Tesseract Medical Research. It contains clinically validated rutinosides, Hesperidin 2S, and Diosmin citrus flavonoids, along with citrulline, Coenzyme Q10, and R-lipoic acid, for enhancing NO synthesis and NO-dependent endothelial function and vasodilation.* 

NattoGuard is an innovative circulation support supplement that contains nattokinase and two plant terpenes: borneol and trans-cinnamaldehyde. The hypoallergenic formulation has cardioprotective properties that optimize the functioning of the circulatory system.*   

The potent blend of nutrients in each of the above supplement formulations is powered by Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® —DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology, which ensures optimal nutrient bioavailability and absorption. 

These groundbreaking circulation support supplements display unprecedented absorption of their active nutrients, which provides nutritional support to individuals experiencing compromised endothelial function and vascular insufficiencies.*

Frequently Asked Questions About Circulation Support Supplements

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about circulation support supplements. 

Can I take a circulation support supplement with prescribed medicines?

Although the health-promoting benefits of circulation support supplements are well-established, there is a potential for additive effects and a limited understanding of potential contraindications and side effects associated with taking them with prescription medications. Consult your healthcare provider before including a circulation support supplement in your diet or taking one with prescription medications. 

What should I look for when considering the best circulation support supplements?

The efficacy of a nutritional supplement depends on the active nutrients in the formulation and their having optimal absorption and bioavailability. When considering the best circulation support supplement, you should look for the desired ingredient as the active nutrient in the formulation and an advanced nutrient delivery technology that ensures the optimal absorption and bioavailability of the active ingredient.  

Citations: 

¹He J, Ma F, Yao J, et al. Ann Vasc Surg 2023;88:257-267. doi:10.1016/j.avsg.2022.06.015

²Khan SU, et al. Annals of Internal Medicine vol. 171,3 (2019):190-198. doi:10.7326/M19-0341

³Arora S, et al. Annals of Vascular Surgery vol. 20,5 (2006):653-658. doi:10.1007/s10016-006-9055-6

⁴Ren J, et al. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety vol. 241 (2022):113735. doi:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113735

⁵Garg A, Lee JC-Y. Life (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 12,2 310. 18 Feb. 2022, doi:10.3390/life12020310

⁶Miyatake S, et al. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports vol. 28 101149. 8 Oct. 2021, doi:10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101149

⁷Zozina VI, et al. Current Cardiology Reviews vol. 14,3 (2018):164-174. doi:10.2174/1573403X14666180416115428

⁸Hajizadeh-Sharafabad F, Zahabi ES. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition vol. 62,11 (2022):2928-2941. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1861425

⁹Chen H, et al. Biomarker Insights vol. 13 1177271918785130. 5 Jul. 2018, doi:10.1177/1177271918785130

Updated April 15, 2025

Your skin is the largest organ in your body and needs high-quality nutritional support for optimal functioning and health. Quercetin, a natural antioxidant, protects skin health from damage caused by pollution, UV radiation, and other environmental stressors.* 

Get the answers to common queries about quercetin’s skin benefits, its potential health-promoting applications, its bioavailability and absorption challenges, and the best way to include quercetin in your diet. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page.

What Is Quercetin and Where Is It Found?	Potential Applications of Quercetin
What are Quercetin’s Skin Benefits?	Does Oral Ingestion of Quercetin Help?
Factors Affecting Quercetin’s Absorption in the body	Strategies To Enhance Quercetin’s Absorption
The Most Bioavailable Form of Quercetin	Why You Need a Quercetin Supplement
Different Types of Quercetin Formulations	FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Quercetin Supplements

What Is Quercetin and Where Is It Found?

Quercetin is a naturally occurring phytochemical, or flavonoid compound, found in fruits and vegetables. Quercetin and its derivatives have potent antioxidant properties that help regulate the body’s natural inflammatory response, translating to powerful positive bioactive effects on cell cycle progression and cellular signaling pathways.* 

Quercetin, mainly as Quercetin-3-O-glycoside, primarily serves as a natural pigment in fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Key dietary sources of quercetin include: 

• Apples
• Grapes
• Berries
• Cherries
• Citrus fruits
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Onions
• Kale
• Buckwheat
• Tomatoes
• Red wine
• Black tea

Quercetin concentrations can vary from one plant to another and even vary in different parts of the same plant. Onions, tea, and apples contain a significantly higher amount of quercetin.

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Potential Applications of Quercetin

Flavonoids like quercetin are more powerful antioxidants than vitamins C and E. As a potent antioxidant that supports the body’s natural inflammatory responses, quercetin extends beneficial effects by inhibiting kinases, oxidative damage, and cell cycle growth, and supporting neuronal survival.* The following table lists potential applications for quercetin:

System	Application
Cardiovascular Health*	Quercetin for Heart Health Support Quercetin vs CoQ10: Which to Choose
Kidney Health*	Quercetin for Kidney Health Support: Benefits
Immune Function*	Exploring Alternative Allergy Therapy: The Potential Benefits of Quercetin Quercetin’s Immune Support Properties
Gastrointestinal Health*	Does Quercetin Help Leaky Gut? Understanding The Science Behind An Innovative Treatment
Brain Health*	Research Supports Using A Quercetin Supplement to Benefit Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms Does Quercetin Affect Sleep: FAQs Nutritional Support Supplements for Parkinson’s Disease: Considering Quercetin

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What are Quercetin’s Skin Health Benefits?

Evidence suggests that the oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species plays a critical role in the development of various adverse skin disorders.¹ The molecular characteristics of quercetin make it a potent scavenger of these reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS).* Quercetin’s ability to quench free radicals and support the skin’s cutaneous antioxidant defense system makes quercetin a preferred choice for extensive skin care applications.*

Quercetin helps maintain the body’s normal natural inflammatory responses by:  

• Inhibiting the release of histamine.* Histamine is a critical compound for immune responses and is released by basophils and mast cells, that can lead to the skin feel itchy and appear red, swollen, and patchy.² 
• Inhibiting the release of the proinflammatory cytokines and interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13.* These signaling molecules are secreted by immune cells and trigger inflammatory responses.

The potential benefits quercetin offers for skin health can be condensed into two main functions: protection and restoration.*

Quercetin’s Skin Benefits*
Protection*	Restoration*
Quercetin enhances protection against skin damage caused by factors like UV radiation, toxic chemical contact, and histamines.*	Quercetin helps restore the skin’s barrier by supporting hydration and limiting transepidermal water loss* — the less water the skin passively evaporates, the higher the skin’s integrity levels.
Studies show that quercetin enhances protection against UV-mediated skin damage by directly inhibiting activities of protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), two key components of intracellular cell signaling pathways.*3	Lipids in the outermost epidermal layer are vital to maintaining the skin’s permeability barrier. When they are peroxidated, these lipids produce toxic effects in skin cells. Studies suggest quercetin’s role in reducing lipid peroxidation helps restore barrier functions to damaged skin.*4

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Does Oral Ingestion of Quercetin Help?

Although quercetin can be obtained in the diet from various fruits and vegetables, it has poor natural absorption in the body. 

Studies show that only one percent of quercetin is absorbed naturally when it is ingested orally.5

Quercetin’s low natural absorption, extensive metabolism, and rapid elimination from the body contribute to its low bioavailability in nutritional supplements.

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Factors Affecting Quercetin’s Absorption in the Body

Quercetin is primarily absorbed in the upper segment of the small intestine. Post-absorption, quercetin is metabolized in various organs, including the liver, small intestine, colon, and kidney, with the aid of biotransformation enzymes specific to the liver and small intestine. Finally, the kidney excretes quercetin and its metabolites in the urine.

Key factors affecting quercetin’s absorption in the body are:

• Poor aqueous solubility
• Instability in the physiological medium (stomach and intestine)
• Poor permeability
• Short biological half-life (resulting in rapid degradation)
• Extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver (resulting in extensive biotransformation)

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Strategies to Enhance Quercetin’s Absorption

Conventional approaches used to enhance quercetin’s absorption include consuming the better-absorbed glycosylated form of quercetin, consuming sources with higher quercetin content, and consuming quercetin with dietary components.   

• Differences in Glycosylation. The glycosyl group’s presence in quercetin’s molecular structure enhances its water solubility and increases the absorption of quercetin glycosides. For example, the body absorbs quercetin glucosides found in onions or shallots more readily than its rutinosides — the major quercetin glycoside in tea. 

• Food Matrix of Quercetin Consumption. Certain foods, like onions, asparagus, and berries, have relatively higher natural concentrations of quercetin than other sources.  

• Co-Administration of Dietary Components. The intake of quercetin with dietary fat can increase its absorption, likely by micellarization in the small intestine.⁶

The ideal strategy for enhancing quercetin’s bioavailability is to protect its integrity in the upper gastrointestinal tract and release it in the colon with prolonged sustained release.

Novel Formulations

Alternative delivery systems, including nanoformulations, help overcome bioavailability-related issues in quercetin supplements. Nutritional supplements formulated at the nanoparticle level achieve a larger surface area compared to their typical raw material counterparts.  They can be customized for targeted delivery of quercetin molecules while protecting their integrity against metabolizing enzymes and other physiological conditions. Nanoparticles also enable a controlled release of quercetin molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract.  

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The Most Bioavailable Form of Quercetin

The solubility of different forms of quercetin varies. Quercetin aglycones or glycosides in apples, tea, and red wine have lower solubility compared to quercetin glucosides from onions, which appear to have the highest absorption rate.

Quercetin glucoside — the naturally occurring form of quercetin — displays an estimated absorption rate of 3%-17% per 100 mg of ingested quercetin.7

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Why You Need A Quercetin Supplement

Because of its low water solubility, unformulated quercetin ranks low in terms of health-promoting benefits. Although dietary sources support the body with lower concentrations of quercetin, consuming a higher concentration can require taking quercetin in nutritional supplement form. Strategies like structural transformation, absorption enhancers, carrier complexes, and nanotechnology help develop highly bioavailable quercetin supplement formulations for benefits including:

• Better absorption 
• Minimized frequency and amount of quercetin intake

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Different Types of Quercetin Formulations

Various formulations of quercetin offer multiple delivery modes, including:

• Oral ingestion: Common types of oral nutritional supplements include tablet, capsule, and powder forms. 

• Topical application: Liposomal formulations with lipid-based nanoparticles that encapsulate quercetin molecules enhance the topical delivery of quercetin in the form of ointments, gels, and sprays.  

• Intravenous injection: Injectable formulations of water-soluble quercetin are used to address a wide range of pathological conditions. 

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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Quercetin Supplements

Are there side effects to taking a quercetin supplement?

Quercetin intake as a nutritional supplement at one gram daily³ is considered safe; adverse side effects from quercetin supplementation have rarely been reported. However, the clinical results of long-term quercetin use at levels at or above one gram daily for longer than 12 weeks are yet to be determined.

Can I take a quercetin supplement with a prescription medicine?

It is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider before including a quercetin nutritional supplement in your diet or taking one with a prescription medicine.  

How do I determine the efficacy of a quercetin supplement formulation?

The desired efficacy of a quercetin supplement formulation lies in enhanced bioavailability and absorption of the active nutrient molecules. Tesseract Medical Research’s QuerciSorb Immuphore SR^®, an innovative quercetin supplement complex, contains four ingredients — quercetin, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D — to support the immune system’s optimal functioning, which includes healthy skin.*

Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc^® – DexKey^® technology is a revolutionary nanomolecular nutrient delivery system that enhances the absorption of quercetin molecules by releasing them at the desired point in the intestinal tract. The unprecedented levels of absorption and bioavailability in each quercetin molecule enable micro-dosing of this formulation to achieve quercetin’s skin benefits.*

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References:

¹Byamba D, et al. Annals of Dermatology vol. 22,3 (2010):269-278. doi:10.5021/ad.2010.22.3.269

²Weng Z, et al. PloS One vol. 7,3 (2012):e33805. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0033805

³Shin EJ, et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences vol. 20,21 5262. 23 Oct. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijms20215262

⁴Maramaldi, et al. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology vol. 9 55-62. 26 Feb. 2016, doi:10.2147/CCID.S98890

⁵Gugler R, et al. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology vol. 9,2-3 (1975):229-234. doi:10.1007/BF00614022

⁶Guo Y, et al. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research vol. 57,5 (2013):896-905. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201200619

⁷Li Y, et al. Nutrients vol. 8,3 167. 15 Mar. 2016, doi:10.3390/nu8030167

Updated April 10, 2025

Hangovers are an all-too-common consequence of both social drinking and binge drinking, and no definitive remedy exists to cure them. Do hangover pills work? Although several products claim to cure hangovers, there is no substantial evidence for their efficacy. 

Glutathione is a ‘master antioxidant’ that strengthens immune function, helps maintain a normal inflammatory response, and enables the body to compensate for cellular stress.* Glutathione also plays a key role in detoxification processes in the liver,  the organ that works overtime during a hangover. Glutathione’s pharmacological properties make it a potent supplement to address a hangover. 

This post discusses the anatomy of a hangover, how glutathione can address a hangover, and why you should include an advanced glutathione supplement in your diet if you do drink. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page. 

The Anatomy of A Hangover	Do Hangover Pills Work?
Addressing Hangovers by Targeting Oxidative Stress	How does Glutathione Address Hangover?
Frequently Asked Questions About Glutathione Supplements

The Anatomy of a Hangover

Let’s understand the physiological basis of a hangover. Although a hangover is commonly thought of as simply the body’s reaction to excessive alcohol consumption, the medical basis of a hangover is more nuanced because of the multiple ways in which drinking alcohol affects the body. 

The symptoms of hangovers are diverse and can include:

• Low mood
• Thirst
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramping
• Generalized pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Inflammation

The spectrum of hangover symptoms spans different organ systems. Hangovers have at least four separate pathologies:

• Disruption of sleep
• A buildup of toxic metabolic byproducts, such as acetaldehyde
• Dehydration
• Immune function activation and suppression

A review of hangover research concluded that alcohol’s effect on immune function is the largest contributor to hangover severity and incidence.¹ However, that doesn’t mean treating immune function alone is sufficient to minimize a hangover; each pathology produces a different subset of hangover symptoms, and there is no simple way to address all of them at once. 

Do Hangover Pills Work?

Do hangover pills work? There is no definite answer. The best way to prevent a hangover is to consume alcohol in moderation and ensure adequate hydration when drinking. As people age, their ability to process alcohol decreases, leading to an uptick in unexpected hangovers and individuals seeking hangover remedies, including hangover pills. The following table highlights various hangover remedies. 

Common Remedies for Hangover
Traditional remedies. Conventional home remedies, such as vinegar, fenugreek, thyme, ginger, pear cactus, red ginseng, and asparagus, are often used to alleviate hangover symptoms.
Over-the-counter medications.  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics (pain relievers) are preferred to address headaches associated with hangovers. However, formulations containing acetaminophen should be avoided because when it is consumed contemporaneously with alcohol it is toxic to the liver.
Nutrient supplementation and electrolyte mixtures. These products are designed to replenish the vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes lost during metabolic alcohol clearance. Such products aim to reduce the impact of dehydration while providing the body with precursor chemicals needed to continue clearing toxic byproducts.

Addressing Hangovers by Targeting Oxidative Stress

The most promising hangover therapies seek to augment the body’s ability to compensate for cellular stress. Rather than simply providing pain relief or restoring lost nutrients, these therapies improve the ability of the immune system to function in the wake of overindulgence in alcohol. Strengthening the immune system is critical because hangover-associated inflammation is a result of immune dysregulation caused by oxidative stress.Significantly, oxidative stress has recently been implicated as one of the primary mechanisms of the immunologic pathology of hangovers.² In general terms, oxidative stress is a process by which free radicals bond to critical enzymes and cellular molecules, thus preventing them from performing their intended purpose and causing damage. New therapies, such as glutathione supplementation, address hangover pathology by limiting oxidative stress.

How Does Glutathione Address Hangover?

Glutathione is a molecule produced by the body that protects cells from oxidative stress by bonding to free radicals with great efficiency, thus preventing damage to cellular machinery.* 

In a study evaluating the physiopathological state of alcohol hangovers in the brain cortex of animal models, it was found that glutathione-related enzymes were most affected in nerve terminals.³ When mice were artificially induced to have the conditions of a hangover, the researchers found that 17.5 percent more free radicals were present in their blood than in healthy controls, indicating high levels of oxidative stress. In contrast, glutathione concentrations were found to be 43 percent lower than in controls, and the activity of certain critical enzymes was 40 percent lower. 

As oxidative stress increased with the severity of the hangover, the glutathione level of the mice became further depleted. As glutathione levels decreased, the free radicals more easily damaged enzymes, reducing their activity and causing harm to the mice. This harm included a 57-percent increase in the incidence of enzymes responsible for recycling neurotransmitters, suggesting broadly detrimental and wide-ranging mood disturbances. The results of the study imply that a glutathione shortage is a large part of the problem when it comes to the molecular basis of a hangover.

There has also been a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial that demonstrated that glutathione supplementation significantly lowered serum acetaldehyde concentrations after alcohol consumption.⁴ Although it did not significantly affect serum alcohol levels, the reduction in acetaldehyde is crucial, as it is a major contributor to hangover symptoms.⁴

The following table highlights several studies exploring the effects of glutathione on alcohol metabolism. 

Glutathione and Alcohol Metabolism
The combination of cysteine and glutathione limits ethanol-induced hangover. In a study evaluating the protective effects of cysteine and glutathione against ethanol-induced hangover and liver damage in mice, it was found that the co-supplementation alleviated the hangover symptoms and limited the alcohol-induced oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.5
Glutathione enhances alcohol metabolism.* Glutathione has been found to address hangover behavior patterns, including locomotor activity.6 Additionally, it increased the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase to enhance alcohol metabolism.* Glutathione also enhances the expression of antioxidant enzymes to aid the hepatic breakdown of alcohol.*

Research indicates that glutathione could be an effective hangover therapy by: 

• Limiting oxidative stress caused by excessive consumption of alcohol.* A glutathione supplement could improve the body’s ability to cope with oxidative stress at a minimum.* 

• Limiting gastrointestinal distress involved in a hangover.* Limiting the oxidative stress caused by a hangover could also limit inflammation.* This could potentially address some of the gastrointestinal distress associated with hangover, allowing intestinal cells to function optimally, which in turn, could simultaneously enhance mood.* 

A glutathione supplement can act as a safe, effective, and easily accessible alternative to traditional hangover pills. For acute hangovers, glutathione administered intravenously acts faster compared to oral glutathione supplements. 

Recently, glutathione supplements have been formulated using nutrient delivery nanotechnology that addresses the metabolic challenges that impact the efficacy of the ‘master antioxidant’. Such formulations enhance the bioavailability of glutathione to better address hangover symptoms and achieve positive outcomes. 

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Glutathione Supplements

Is it safe to take a glutathione supplement for a prolonged period?

Limited data exist on the safety and efficacy of prolonged glutathione supplementation. Because glutathione supplementation in high doses might cause toxicity, consult a healthcare provider before including a glutathione supplement in your diet for long periods.   

Can I take a glutathione supplement with a prescription medicine?

Limited data exists on the potential contraindications of glutathione with prescription medicines. Consult your healthcare provider before taking a glutathione supplement with a prescription medicine.   

How do you determine the efficacy of a glutathione supplement formulation?

Enhanced bioavailability and absorption of glutathione are critical indicators of a supplement formulation’s efficacy. 

Tesseract Medical Research’s SafeCell® is an innovative, hypoallergenic S-Acetyl-Glutathione complex formulated for optimal bioavailability and absorption. Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology encases each glutathione molecule, protecting it from early degradation during transit through the stomach. The accompanying DexKey® reactors enable targeted delivery of the active ingredient molecules for enhanced absorption. The result is unprecedented absorption of glutathione in lesser amounts than previously required to support liver health.*

Finally, answering the question, do hangover pills work? There is no definite answer. While glutathione is sometimes included in hangover remedies due to its role in supporting liver detoxification, it should not be considered merely a “hangover pill”. Glutatione plays a much broader role as the body’s “master antioxidant” by supporting liver function, cellular health,and overall physiological balance. 

References: 

¹Penning R, et al. The pathology of alcohol hangover. Current Drug Abuse Reviews vol. 3,2 (2010): 68-75. doi:10.2174/1874473711003020068

²van de Loo, AJAE, et al. The inflammatory fesponse to alcohol consumption and its role in the pathology of alcohol hangover.” Journal of Clinical Medicine vol. 9,7 2081. 2 Jul. 2020, doi:10.3390/jcm9072081

³Karadayian AG, et al. Free radical production and antioxidant status in brain cortex non-synaptic mitochondria and synaptosomes at alcohol hangover onset. Free Radical Biology & Medicine vol. 108 (2017):692-703. doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.04.344

⁴Song G, et al. Effects of GSH on Alcohol Metabolism and Hangover Improvement in Humans: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2024;16(19):3262. Published 2024 Sep 26. doi:10.3390/nu16193262

⁵Kim H, et al. Combination of cysteine and glutathione prevents ethanol-induced hangover and liver damage by modulation of Nrf2 signaling in HepG2 cells and mice. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 12,10 1885. 20 Oct. 2023, doi:10.3390/antiox12101885

⁶Lee H-Y, et al. Glutathione’s role in liver metabolism and hangover symptom relief: Dysregulation of protein S-slutathionylation and antioxidant enzymes. Biomolecules & Therapeutics vol. 33,1 (2025):117-128. doi:10.4062/biomolther.2024.182

Article Summary:

• Glutathione is a poorly absorbed molecule, and research is underway to determine the best way to take it as a nutritional supplement. 
• This ‘master antioxidant’ is rapidly degraded naturally in the small intestine, followed by its elimination from the body. 
• Tesseract’s SafeCell® is an innovative S-Acetyl-Glutathione complex that enables unprecedented absorption of glutathione.

Glutathione, referred to as “the master detoxifier”, is an essential antioxidant present in every cell of the body. It plays a critical role in: 

• Scavenging free radicals
• Supporting nutrient metabolism
• Maintaining necessary cellular activities, such as protein synthesis, cell signaling, and immune regulation

However, several factors can lead to reduced levels of glutathione in the body, such as: 

• Advancing age
• Poor lifestyle choices
• Pathologies that can compromise the body’s antioxidant defenses 

Unfortunately, dietary intake of glutathione-rich foods may not be sufficient to maintain optimal levels. For this reason, glutathione supplementation may be necessary to adequately support various health functions in the body.

But can glutathione be effectively taken as a nutritional supplement? Are there potential side effects? What is the recommended daily intake of glutathione? This article answers frequently asked questions about glutathione supplementation.  

What is the Most Effective Way to Take Glutathione?

Glutathione is commercially available in various delivery forms: 

• Oral supplement (Let’s not use these three in this list – we should say “oral sprays, and capsules”)
• Intravenous (IV) drip
• Intranasal drops or spray
• Nebulized glutathione

Each of these delivery forms has its advantages and limitations, but oral supplementation remains a widely used and accessible option for most practitioners and patients. 

The most common forms of oral glutathione supplements are powders, tablets, and capsules. 

Notably, oral glutathione supplements have not been considered the most effective in terms of absorption. Co-supplementation of glutathione with other nutrients can enhance its solubility. For example, one clinical study showed that taking glutathione along with vitamin C can enhance glutathione’s concentration in the blood.*¹

Recent research suggests that oral glutathione formulations in liposomal or sublingual forms might be more bioavailable. 

What is the Recommended Daily Intake of Glutathione?

The recommended daily oral intake of glutathione is 500mg—1,000 mg. In a balanced diet, fruits and vegetables can contribute up to 50 percent of the recommended intake, while meat consumption typically contributes less than 25 percent.

When is it the Best Time to Take Glutathione?

A glutathione supplement is usually best taken before or after breakfast or dinner. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the right time to take one.  

What are Glutathione’s Absorption Challenges? 

Glutathione is naturally a difficult-to-absorb molecule; therefore, its health-promoting benefits can be significantly limited due to its poor natural bioavailability and absorption. The following are the common absorption challenges of glutathione:

Common Absorption Challenges of Glutathione
Rapid degradation in the intestine: In the small intestine, glutathione is rapidly broken down by the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), which dilutes glutathione and lowers its level in the blood.
Elimination of circulating glutathione: Glutathione conjugates formed in the liver are excreted intact in bile or converted into water-soluble by-products that are excreted in the urine.

What is the Average Amount of Glutathione Present in a Nutritional Supplement?

Glutathione supplements generally contain between 150 mg and 1,000 mg of glutathione. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the right amount of daily glutathione your body needs to support the targeted health functions.

Are There Side Effects of Glutathione Supplementation?

The safety profile of glutathione supplements is well established, with only minimal side effects reported, such as: 

• Mild stomach upset
• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating

There is limited safety data on prolonged usage of glutathione beyond two months and above 500 mg daily intake. And, if pregnant or breastfeeding, always consult your healthcare provider before including a daily glutathione supplement in your diet.   

Are There Innovative Glutathione Supplement Formulations for Enhanced Bioavailability?

Various innovative approaches have been explored to enhance glutathione’s absorption and bioavailability, including: 

• Using nutrient delivery nanotechnology: Nanostructured nutrient delivery systems enable the encapsulation of glutathione molecules in lipid carriers, thereby enhancing its absorption.

• Formulating supplements with an acetylated form of glutathione: Glutathione supplement formulations that contain the highly stable S-Acetyl-Glutathione are more readily absorbed. 

Tesseract Medical Research’s SafeCell® is an S-Acetyl-Glutathione complex that utilizes Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery technology. This nanomolecular nutrient delivery technology addresses the natural bioavailability challenge of glutathione by enabling the unprecedented absorption of billions of glutathione molecules at the optimal point in the intestinal tract — one molecule at a time. This technology unlocks the significant health-promoting potential of this ‘master antioxidant’ molecule to optimally support your health and wellness goals.* 

Citation
¹Johnston CS, Meyer CG, Srilakshmi JC. Am J Clin Nutr 1993 Jul;58(1):103-105. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/58.1.103. PMID: 8317379.

Updated on April 3, 2025

Social media touts berberine as ‘nature’s Ozempic’ and a quick weight-loss solution but what exactly is it? Berberine is bioactive compound derived from plants, such as barberry, Oregon grape, and golden seal, and has a long history of usage in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Although the health-promoting benefits of berberine are well-established, its role as a weight management aid is still being investigated. 

This post explains the benefits of adding berberine to your weight management program, why you should consider berberine as a supplement to promote endocrine health, and how Tesseract’s proprietary berberine supplement formulation overcomes berberine’s bioavailability challenges. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page. 

Berberine for Weight Management: Misinformation or Fact?	How Does Berberine Promote Glucose Metabolism?
How Berberine Indirectly Supports Weight Management	Is It Safe to Take Berberine for Weight Management?
An Advanced Berberine Supplement Formulation for Weight Management	Frequently Asked Questions About Berberine Supplements

Berberine for Weight Management: Misinformation or Fact?

Misinformation about berberine has led to its popularity as an alternative to prescription medications for weight management. But this misinformation about berberine poses risks of its overconsumption or contraindications with prescription medications for weight management, which can result in adverse side effects.    

Let’s examine some of the misinformation that surrounds this potent phytochemical. 

Misinformation: Berberine is an appetite suppressant. 

Fact: There is no conclusive evidence that establishes berberine as a appetite suppressant. Berberine is an antioxidant, its primary mechanism of action is to help maintain normal inflammatory responses in cells.* However, because berberine also promotes normal glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism, it can indirectly promote healthy weight management.*    

Misinformation: Berberine is a weight loss agent. 

Fact: Berberine does moderate the intestinal absorption of glucose and limits exercise-induced exhaustion and muscle damage, and these effects translate to healthy weight management. More research is required to explore berberine’s role as a weight loss agent. As an antioxidant, berberine can limit oxidative stress post-exercise and lower muscle soreness and physical stress to counter exercise-induced exhaustion.*¹ Berberine can also enhance skeletal muscle mass and exert cardioprotective effects.*² These benefits of berberine enhance physical endurance, which indirectly supports weight management.*

How Does Berberine Promote Glucose Metabolism?

Poor weight management is characterized by abnormal glucose metabolism, which leads to reduced glucose disposal in adipose tissues. Unhealthy weight gain often leads to elevated levels of blood sugar, lipids (fats), and insulin, as well as insulin resistance. 

Several studies have investigated berberine’s ability to promote glucose metabolism, and thereby contribute to healthy weight management,* although the exact mechanism of berberine’s action on glucose metabolism is not fully understood. The following table highlights studies that have explored berberine’s role in promoting glucose and lipid metabolism.* 

Berberine and Glucose Homeostasis
Promoting Insulin Secretion and Addressing Insulin Resistance*	As an antioxidant, berberine protects the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.* It promotes insulin secretion and reduces insulin resistance through various cellular signal transduction pathways, such as the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway.*3
Stimulating Glucose Breakdown*	Berberine-induced activation of signaling pathways stimulates the breakdown of glucose into pyruvic acid, thereby releasing energy.*4
Inhibiting Glucose Synthesis from Non-carbohydrate Components*	Berberine regulates mitochondria-related pathways, which inhibits glucose synthesis from non-carbohydrate components in liver cells.*5
Limiting Digestion of Carbohydrates in the Intestine*	By limiting carbohydrate digestion in the intestine, berberine inhibits intestinal absorption of glucose.*6
Promoting Lipid Metabolism*	Insulin is integral to lipid metabolism because it promotes cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake.* Berberine is a known activator of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which contributes to fatty acid oxidation and limits lipid accumulation, particularly that of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).*7

How Does Berberine Promote Glucose Metabolism?

Although the direct effects of berberine on weight management are still unclear, berberine does influence several mechanisms that indirectly promote weight management. The following are some of the pathways that berberine influences to support weight management. 

• Promoting a healthy gut microbiota.* The gut microbiota regulates metabolism, appetite, and the hormonal and immune systems that affect body weight. Berberine promotes a balanced and healthy gut microbiota, particularly enhancing the growth of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producing bacteria.*⁸   

• Displaying glucose support properties.* As discussed above, berberine helps maintain normal blood glucose and lipid levels, enhances insulin secretion, and attenuates glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.*⁹ The combined effects of berberine on maintaining normal glucose homeostasis promotes healthy weight management.*

• Limiting differentiation of adipocytes.* Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in whole-body energy metabolism; it’s divided into white and brown adipose tissue. White adipose tissue is a key energy reservoir for other organs; whereas, brown adipose tissue accumulates lipids for cold-induced adaptive thermogenesis. Depending on nutritional changes, adipose tissues can undergo dynamic remodeling at an accelerated pace, which is considered one of the underlying causes of weight gain. 

Berberine promotes the distribution of brown adipose tissue and thermogenesis, and adipose tissue remodeling.*¹⁰  

Is It Safe to Take Berberine for Weight Management?

The short-term safety profile of berberine is well-established, although there is limited data about its effects on pregnant or breastfeeding women. Berberine can cause mild or infrequent side effects or potential contraindications when taken with certain prescription medications. The following table highlights some of the common side effects of berberine supplements: 

Berberine’s Side Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects include constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, and stomach pain.
Potential risk of low glucose level with prolonged intake of a high-dose berberine supplement.
Potential contraindications with drugs that are metabolized via CYP enzymes.

The side effects of berberine supplements depend on the delivery route (type of formulation) and the duration of intake. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult your healthcare provider before including a berberine supplement in your diet or taking one with a prescription medication. 

An Advanced Berberine Supplement Formulation for Weight Management

Unformulated berberine poses three key challenges that can adversely impact its efficacy:

• Intolerable taste: Berberine has an intensely bitter taste. Berberine hydrochloride, the most common ingredient of commercially available berberine supplements, has high aqueous solubility, making it difficult to mask its taste.  

• Intake in high amounts: Consuming a high amount of berberine to compensate for its low bioavailability can result in adverse gastrointestinal events, such as upset stomach, cramping, and diarrhea.  

• Poor absorption: Poor absorption means your body does not experience the desired beneficial effects of berberine. 

Most commercially available berberine nutritional supplements contain 400-500 mg of berberine per capsule, with berberine hydrochloride being the primary ingredient. Berberine supplements are usually in the form of tablets, capsules, and fluid extracts.  

Compared to unformulated berberine, novel berberine supplement formulations use innovative approaches, such as nanotechnology, to enhance berberine’s palatability and bioavailability to achieve its health-promoting benefits. However, the safety and efficacy of berberine varies greatly depending on the type of formulation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Berberine Supplements for Weight Management

Here are frequently asked questions (FAQs) about using berberine for weight management:

Can I take berberine for weight management? 

Berberine can promote healthy weight management,* but it should not be considered as a supplement to achieve quick weight loss. Consult your healthcare provider before including a berberine supplement in your weight management program.  

Are there side effects to taking a berberine for weight management?

Clinical studies have established that berberine is safe and well-tolerated for short-term use. However, as mentioned earlier, side effects such as flatulence, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea can occur.  

Can I take a berberine supplement with a prescription medicine?

Berberine may cause potential contraindications with prescription medications. Always consult with your healthcare provider before including a berberine supplement in your diet or taking it with a prescription medicine for weight management.   

How do I determine the efficacy of a berberine supplement for weight management?

The efficacy of a berberine supplement lies in enhanced palatability, bioavailability, and absorption of the berberine molecules. Tesseract Medical Research’s BerberActiv®, an innovative, hypoallergenic berberine supplement formulation, achieves optimal absorption of berberine while enhancing its palatability to achieve user compliance.    

Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc^® – DexKey^® nutrient delivery nanotechnology ensures unprecedented absorption of berberine molecules in the intestinal tract — one molecule at a time to maximize berberine’s benefits. The CyLoc® matrix encases each berberine molecule in its smart delivery system and masks berberine’s bitter taste. The DexKey® reactors release each berberine molecule at the desired point in the intestinal tract to achieve maximum absorption. Enhanced absorption enables micro-dosing — the ingestion of a lesser amount of berberine to achieve the desired powerful and rapid physiological response.  

With better delivery of berberine to the body’s tissues, BerberActiv® supports healthy blood glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism, optimal gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health, healthy weight management, and normal inflammatory and immune responses.*    

References: 

¹Chen L, et al. vol. 13 4561-4569. 23 Nov. 2020, doi:10.2147/DMSO.S275301

²Wang YW, et al. Zhonghua xin xue guan bing za zhi vol. 47,8 (2019): 647-652. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-3758.2019.08.010

^3,4,7,Cao C,  Su M. Effects of berberine on glucose-lipid metabolism, inflammatory factors and insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine vol. 17,4 (2019): 3009-3014. doi:10.3892/etm.2019.7295

^5,6Yin J, et al. Berberine improves glucose metabolism through induction of glycolysis. American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism vol. 294,1 (2008):E148-E156. doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00211.2007

⁸Zhang L, et al. Effects of berberine on the gastrointestinal microbiota.” Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology vol. 10 588517. 19 Feb. 2021, doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.588517

⁹Utami AR, et al. Berberine and its study as an antidiabetic compound. Biology vol. 12,7 973. 8 Jul. 2023, doi:10.3390/biology12070973

¹⁰Xu Y, et al. Berberine modulates deacetylation of PPARγ to promote adipose tissue remodeling and thermogenesis via AMPK/SIRT1 pathway.” International Journal of Biological Sciences vol. 17,12 3173-3187. 25 Jul. 2021, doi:10.7150/ijbs.62556

Updated on April 1, 2025

Are you struggling to manage your weight? Do you feel like no matter what you do, it’s still difficult to meet your health goals? Successful weight management efforts are critical to limiting the cardiovascular risks associated with being overweight, as well as addressing related metabolic, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal conditions. However, many of us are unable to balance our food intake and activity levels due to a variety of both individual and broader reasons. Underlying metabolic conditions further make popular weight management strategies ineffective while medications for weight management often carry the risk of potential side effects. So, is there a natural compound with minimal side effects that can be included in the diet to support weight management efforts?   

Research suggests that curcumin is a promising, natural bioactive compound that displays multiple mechanisms of action that beneficially affect cellular biochemical and physiological regulation. The health-promoting benefits of curcumin can address metabolic conditions and the associated unintended weight gain. This post discusses the correlation between gut microbiota and metabolism, the role of curcumin in weight management, and why you should include an advanced curcumin supplement in your diet. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page. 

The Connection Between the Gut Microbiota and Metabolism	How Curcumin Promotes Gut Microbiota
Curcumin for Weight Management	Bioavailability and Absorption of Curcumin
An Advanced Curcumin Supplement Formulation for Weight Management	Frequently Asked Questions About Curcumin Supplements

The Connection Between the Gut Microbiota and Metabolism

A healthy gut microbiota is an essential part of maintaining the body’s metabolism and energy balance. A healthy gut microbiota also plays a key role in maintaining immune and metabolic homeostasis and providing protection against pathogens. An imbalance in the gut microbiota can adversely affect the metabolic, immune, and endocrine systems, as well as energy homeostasis and lipid metabolism, all of which can result in weight gain. 

Furthermore, the relative lack of diversity in the gut microbiota can disturb the structure and function of the gut’s intestinal barrier, which can cause metabolites and microbes to enter the bloodstream and cause adverse inflammatory responses. This, in turn, may lead to several undesirable metabolic pathways to be over-activated, leading to¹: 

• Increased energy extraction from food: Through the activation of the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), the cell surface proteins are involved in signal transmission and increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). 

• Increased fat storage and activation of the endocannabinoid system: Through the activation of the endocannabinoid system and decreasing the levels of lipoprotein lipase. Low levels of the lipoprotein lipase, a fasting-induced adipose factor FIAF (a regulator of lipid metabolism) results in increased fat storage. 

• Inhibited fat utilization in muscles. Through the inhibition of the activity of protein kinase activated by AMP-activated protein kinase.     

Beneficial gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia, are traditional probiotics that play an important role in balancing the human intestinal microecology. Supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphilia has been found to enhance metabolic parameters and promote weight loss.²

How Curcumin Promotes Gut Microbiota

Curcumin, the polyphenolic active ingredient in turmeric, is an antioxidant known to exert beneficial health effects through multiple mechanisms and biochemical targets.* Curcumin limits oxidative stress and maintains normal inflammatory responses in cells by downregulating the secretions of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as the interleukins or TNF-α.*

Research indicates that curcumin can directly regulate the intestinal microflora.* The reciprocal interaction between curcumin and the gut microbiota involves two different phenomena: 

• The regulation of the intestinal microflora by curcumin 
• The biotransformation of curcumin by the intestinal microbiota 

Oral intake of curcumin leads to its distribution throughout the intestines, where it benefits the gut microbiota through microbial richness, diversity, and composition.* In diet-induced obese animal models, curcumin supplementation exerted protective metabolic effects by downregulating adverse immune responses in adipose tissues, mediated by alterations in the composition of gut microbiota and the metabolism of curcumin into curcumin-o-glucuronide.³

Curcumin promotes a healthy gut microbiota through: 

• Promoting beneficial bacterial strains*
• Enhancing intestinal barrier functions*
• Positively altering microbial diversity and composition*
• Counteracting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines*

Curcumin for Weight Management

Curcumin is a safe, natural, and well-tolerated botanical compound. A growing body of evidence suggests that curcumin can be an effective weight management aid. The following table highlights how curcumin exerts its beneficial effects in weight management.

Curcumin for Weight Management
Increases energy expenditure.* The gut microbiota comprises regulators of bile acid metabolism, lipid absorption, lipid synthesis, and energy metabolism. Research indicates a correlation between gut microbiota and energy metabolism. In high-fat diet-induced obese mice, curcumin enhanced insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure.*4
Limits the expression of inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissues.* Oxidative stress leads to adverse immune responses in adipose tissues, which stimulates adipocyte differentiation and promotes lipogenesis. As an antioxidant, curcumin scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibits the activation of NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) signaling pathways in adipose tissues.*5
Inhibits adipogenesis.* Adipocytes are key cellular components of adipose tissue and play a significant role in lipid homeostasis and energy balance. Curcumin interferes with or constrains several stages of adipocyte differentiation.*6
Regulates lipid metabolism.* Lipid metabolism involves the synthesis, storage, and degradation of fatty acids, triglycerides, and cholesterol. 5’-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a regulator of the lipid synthesis pathways and causes the oxidation of fatty acids in the liver to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) also influences fatty acid oxidation and cholesterol breakdown during lipid metabolism. Curcumin beneficially causes AMPK and PPARα activation to limit lipid accumulation.*7

Bioavailability and Absorption of Curcumin

Curcumin has naturally low bioavailability and absorption, which hinders its efficacy in weight management. Curcumin’s chemical instability and water insolubility result in its rapid metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract and systemic elimination from the body. The bioavailability and absorption of free curcumin are reflected in:  

• Free curcumin versus curcumin metabolites: Curcumin is largely metabolized in the liver and the intestines, and the gut microbiota. The large intestine’s enzymes metabolize curcumin in two phases. Notably, it is curcumin metabolites that are detected in the blood, while the amount of free curcumin after oral intake is insignificant or barely detectable. 

• Biotransformation of curcumin and composition of gut microbiota: Curcumin is further transformed through the interaction of enzymes produced by the gut microbiota in the colon. The composition of the gut microflora results in differences in the biotransformation of curcumin consumed in a regular diet.  

Most orally consumed curcumin is eliminated from the body after only minimal systemic absorption. As a result, advanced delivery systems, such as nano-delivery, are often used to improve curcumin’s absorption and efficacy.

An Advanced Curcumin Supplement Formulation for Weight Management

The following table highlights the key features you should consider when selecting an advanced curcumin supplement to support your weight management efforts: 

Key Features of An Advanced Curcumin Supplement for Weight Management
Palatability: Most curcumin formulations fail to mask the taste of curcumin, which hinders user compliance. An advanced curcumin supplement formulation should be well-tolerated to promote oral ingestion.
Absorption: An advanced supplement formulation should utilize novel nutrient delivery systems for targeted delivery of curcumin for optimal absorption.
Bioavailability: An advanced supplement formulation should contain the most bioavailable form of curcumin for optimal solubility to achieve curcumin’s benefits for supporting weight management efforts.

TetraCumin^® is an advanced supplement formulation developed by Tesseract Medical Research, and is considered one of the best curcumin supplements for supporting weight management.* TetraCumin contains tetrahydrocurcumin and utilizes Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc^® – DexKey^® technology — a revolutionary nutrient delivery system that enhances the palatability of the tetrahydrocurcumin molecules, maximizes their absorption and bioavailability, and enables their micro-dosing. 

Tesseract’s CyLoc® technology encases each tetrahydrocurcumin molecule in a dextrin fiber delivery cage to mask its unpleasant taste while maintaining its molecular integrity during transit through the stomach. The accompanying DexKey® reactors release the tetrahydrocurcumin molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract, allowing for their optimal absorption and bioavailability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Curcumin Supplements for Weight Management

The following are frequently asked questions about the usage, safety, and efficacy of utilizing a curcumin nutritional supplement to support weight management:

Does a curcumin supplement for weight management work? 

Unlike unformulated curcumin, a nutritional supplement formulated with a highly absorbable and bioavailable form of curcumin, such as tetrahydrocurcumin, achieves maximum absorption. The enhanced absorption and bioavailability of curcumin in an advanced formulation can achieve curcumin’s benefits for supporting weight management. 

Are there side effects to taking a curcumin supplement?

Curcuminoids are approved as ‘Generally Recognized as Safe’ (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are widely used as a food additive. Curcumin is well-tolerated and safe, up to doses between 4,000 – 8,000 mg daily for 3 months, although doses of 500 mg – 2,000 mg are typically recommended for routine supplementation.  

Can I take a curcumin supplement with a prescription medicine?

Although curcumin’s safety profile is well-established, consult with your healthcare practitioner before taking it for weight management or taking it with a prescription medicine. 

References: 

¹Khan MJ, et al. Role of gut microbiota in the aetiology of obesity: Proposed mechanisms and review of the literature. Journal of Obesity vol. 2016 (2016): 7353642. doi:10.1155/2016/7353642

²Depommier C, et al. Supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila in overweight and obese human volunteers: a proof-of-concept exploratory study. Nature Medicine vol. 25,7 (2019):1096-1103. doi:10.1038/s41591-019-0495-2

³Islam T, et al. Curcumin reduces adipose tissue inflammation and alters gut microbiota in diet-induced obese male mice.” Molecular Nutrition & Food Research vol. 65,22 (2021):e2100274. doi:10.1002/mnfr.202100274

⁴Zou T, et al. Curcumin improves insulin sensitivity and increases energy expenditure in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice associated with activation of FNDC5/irisin. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) vol. 90 (2021): 111263. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2021.111263

⁵Pérez-Torres I, et al. Oxidative stress, plant natural antioxidants, and obesity.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences vol. 22,4 1786. 11 Feb. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijms22041786

⁶Mohamed GA, et al. Natural anti-obesity agents. Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University 52.2 (2014):269-284.

⁷Rahmani S, et al. Treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with curcumin: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.” Phytotherapy Research : PTR vol. 30,9 (2016):1540-1548. doi:10.1002/ptr.5659