Article Summary:

• Quercetin and magnesium are both known for their beneficial effects in promoting immune function and cardiovascular health.* 
• Various studies have established the beneficial effects of supplementing with quercetin and magnesium. 
• Tesseract’s proprietary nutrient delivery technology enables optimal absorption and bioavailability of quercetin and magnesium. 

Are you considering boosting your health and wellness with a combination of quercetin and magnesium supplements? Both of these nutrients have been individually linked to a variety of health benefits, and together, they may offer even more powerful effects.* Naturally, quercetin and magnesium are often found together, especially in foods like onions. Onions, in particular, are a major source of quercetin with 100 grams of raw onion containing between 28.4 – 48.6 mg of quercetin. Along with quercetin, raw onions are an excellent source of vitamin C, which play a key role in supporting immune health. 

But can quercetin and magnesium be effectively and safely combined in supplements? This post explains the potential benefits of taking quercetin and magnesium together, examining the evidence that suuports their synergistic effects. We will also explore why choosing advanced supplement formulations may be an effective way to include these nutrients in your diet and how they can contribute to overall health and wellness.  

Understanding the Combined Effects of Quercetin and Magnesium   

Beneficial Effects of Quercetin

Quercetin, one of the most abundant dietary flavonoids, is well known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to help maintain the body’s natural inflammatory response processes.* Due to its potent antioxidant activity, quercetin plays a role in scavenging free radicals to protect cellular components from oxidative stress.* 

This flavonoid inhibits the production of proinflammatory cytokines and leukotrienes, downregulates the release of histamine, and enhances the balance between T-helper cells to address adverse immune responses.* Quercetin also exerts cardioprotective effects, including beneficial effects on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and endothelial function.*

Beneficial Effects of Magnesium

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant positively-charged ion in the body. Magnesium is a cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions and facilitates the active transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes. It also plays a beneficial role in the formation of bones, proteins, several enzymes, and cellular components, such as mitochondria, DNA, and RNA.*  

Magnesium is crucial to various immunological functions, including the activation of immune cells (T helper, B cell, and macrophages), lymphocyte proliferation, and immune cell adherence.* In the heart, magnesium exerts beneficial activity on neuronal excitation and intracardiac conduction, and regulates the proliferation and migration of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells.*

Combined Beneficial Effects of Quercetin and Magnesium

Several studies have explored the potential benefits of taking quercetin and magnesium together and have established the therapeutic effects of the co-supplementation. The following table highlights several such studies.  

Studies Exploring the Combined Beneficial Effects of Quercetin and Magnesium
Combined effects of quercetin and magnesium in addressing metabolic syndrome: A Chinese study on adults revealed that a higher intake of flavonoids, including quercetin and luteolin, combined with a high level of magnesium, was strongly associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome.1
Antioxidant activity of quercetin-magnesium complex: A 2015 study investigating the activity of a complexed formation of quercetin and magnesium found that the free radical scavenging activity of quercetin was enhanced after being complexed with magnesium Mg(+2)) cation.*2

Quercetin has a low chemical stability and an inherent metal-chelating ability. Novel approaches to enhance its biological activity at a lower concentration include forming a quercetin complex with magnesium-doped calcium silicate ceramic that improves bone regeneration.*³

Can I take Quercetin and Magnesium Together? Key Considerations for Co-supplementation

Can I take quercetin and magnesium supplements together? Yes, you can. However, you should consider the following factors before including two or more nutritional supplements in your diet:

• Consult with your healthcare provider: You should always consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning to take any nutritional supplement or including two or more nutritional supplements in your diet. Your healthcare practitioner knows your medical history and can analyze any potential contraindications of these supplement ingredients with prescription medicines you are taking.  

• Understanding the efficacy of supplement formulations: The absorption and bioavailability of a supplement’s ingredients determine the supplement’s effectiveness. Not all supplements are formulated alike. Advanced supplements that utilize nanotechnology for targeted delivery of their active ingredients’ molecules enable optimal absorption of the nutrients to achieve their health-promoting benefits. 

Tesseract Medical Research has developed an innovative quercetin formulation that promotes healthy immune function and good cardiovascular health.* Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology ensures the delivery of quercetin molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract to maximize absorption. Unprecedented absorption enables micro-dosing; that is, using less quercetin than previously required to achieve the desired health benefits.

¹Jin S, et al. The association of dietary flavonoids, magnesium and their interactions with the metabolic syndrome in Chinese adults: a prospective cohort study. The British Journal of Nutrition vol. 126,6 (2021):892-902. doi:10.1017/S0007114520004754

²Ghosh N, et al. Synthesis, characterization and study of antioxidant activity of quercetin-magnesium complex. Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy vol. 151 (2015):807-813. doi:10.1016/j.saa.2015.07.050

³Preethi AM, Bellare, JR. Concomitant effect of quercetin- and magnesium-doped calcium silicate on the osteogenic . . . activity of scaffolds for bone regeneration. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 10,10 1170. 27 Sep. 2021, doi:10.3390/antibiotics10101170

Article Summary:

• Glutathione and CoQ10 are important nutrients that promote the normal functioning of cells and protect cellular components against oxidative stress.*
• Several studies that explored the combined effects of glutathione and CoQ10 established their role in enhancing the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms.* 
• Tesseract’s proprietary nutrient delivery technology enables optimal absorption and bioavailability of glutathione and CoQ10 to help achieve their health and wellness benefits.   

Oxidative stress occurs when the body’s natural antioxidant defenses are insufficient to neutralize its free radical load. This imbalance is a key underlying contributor to several health ailments adversely affecting various organs in the body. Elevated levels of oxidative stress could indicate a greater need for antioxidant supplementation. 

Glutathione, a tripeptide known as the body’s master antioxidant, is a critical molecule that helps the liver to detoxify, neutralizes free radicals, acts as a co-factor for several antioxidant enzymes, and is vital to mitochondrial function.*

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 or ubiquinone) is a fat-soluble molecule that facilitates the transfer of  electrons within the mitochondrial oxidative respiratory chain to produce cellular energy (ATP). CoQ10 also enhances the production of vital antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase, to mitigate oxidative stress.* Furthermore, CoQ10 can lower lipid peroxidation levels by inhibiting pro-oxidative compounds.*   

Both nutrients have immense therapeutic potential. The question can be asked whether glutathione and CoQ10 can be taken together, and the answer is yes. This post discusses the benefits of taking them together as supplements, supported by several studies that establish their synergistic effects. 

Studies Exploring the Combined Effects of Glutathione and CoQ10 Supplementation

The body has several enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms that scavenge free radicals (also called reactive oxygen species, or ROS). The major antioxidative enzymes in the enzymatic mechanism are glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD-1). The beneficial influence of CoQ10 on the activities of these two antioxidative enzymes to lower the level of ROS underscores the idea of taking CoQ10 and glutathione together. 

The following table highlights several studies that explore the combined beneficial health effects of glutathione and CoQ10.*

Combined Effects of Glutathione and CoQ10
Combined effects of glutathione and CoQ10 on reproductive health: In a randomized clinical trial, 83 infertile males were administered a combined supplementation of CoQ10, glutathione, l-carnitine/acetyl-l-carnitine, l-arginine, zinc, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, and selenium. The combined effects of the supplements enhanced mitochondrial bioenergetics to improve sperm quality.1
Combined effects of CoQ10 and glutathione against lipid peroxidation: The unsaturated lipid peroxidation by ROS yields highly reactive lipid peroxyl radicals that can be neutralized by vitamin E (α-tocopherol). CoQ10 (ubiquinol) helps generate α-tocopherol antioxidant activity. The intermediate compound of these reactions (ubisemiquinone), further reacts with oxygen molecules or oxidizes further to the fully oxidized ubiquinone that does not react with oxygen. Reduced glutathione, NADP (an electron carrier), and other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, regenerate the oxidized CoQ10 (ubiquinone) and α-tocopherol and maintain their reduction states.*2

Ongoing research continues to explore the synergistic effects of glutathione and CoQ10. Although some studies remain inconclusive, the beneficial effects of glutathione and CoQ10 to enhance the body’s antioxidant defense system have been established.  

Can I Take Glutathione and CoQ10 Together? Factors to Consider 

Can glutathione and CoQ10 supplements be taken together? The answer is yes. However, when co-adminstering, the efficacy and safety of the supplement formulation should be considered. 

• The efficacy of a supplement formulation is determined by the absorption and bioavailability of its ingredients. Nano-delivery of supplement ingredients by cyclodextrins, a type of stabilizing carrier, has been found to optimize both their absorption and their solubility. Advanced formulations utilizing such nutrient delivery achieve the health-promoting benefits of the nutrients. 

• The safety of a supplement is equally crucial and is reflected in the manufacturing practices used to make the supplement. Nutritional supplements formulated with the optimal amount of active ingredients best achieve the desired therapeutic objective without causing adverse side effects. 

Tesseract Medical Research has developed glutathione and CoQ10 formulations that incorporate the advanced CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology. Molecules such as glutathione are naturally difficult to absorb, while supplemental CoQ10 has traditionally exhibited limited natural bioavailability. Using the Tesseract proprietary technology to deliver these nutrients at the desired point in the intestinal tract achieves optimal absorption. In addition, the unprecedented absorption of active nutrients enables micro-dosing —  using a lesser amount of ingredients than previously required to achieve the desired therapeutic outcomes. 

Tesseract combines the highest-quality nutrients with cutting-edge delivery systems to better support health and wellness. Tesseract follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), including scientifically advanced analytical techniques and quality control systems, to ensure the efficacy and safety of its supplement formulations. 

¹Kopets R, et al. Dietary supplementation with a novel l-carnitine multi-micronutrient in idiopathic male subfertility involving oligo-, astheno-, teratozoospermia: A randomized clinical study. Andrology vol. 8,5 (2020): 1184-1193. doi:10.1111/andr.12805

²Turunen M, et al. Metabolism and function of coenzyme Q. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta vol. 1660,1-2 (2004):171-199. doi:10.1016/j.bbamem.2003.11.012

Article Summary:

• Quercetin and curcumin are potent antioxidants that help maintain the body’s natural inflammatory responses.*
• Co-supplementation of quercetin and curcumin have been found to exert beneficial effects on health and wellness.* 
• Tesseract’s innovative nutrient delivery technology achieves optimal bioavailability of these two nutrients.

“Can I take quercetin and curcumin supplements together?”

If you are considering co-supplementation, then you should want to know about any potential contraindications and side effects. 

Interestingly, your regular diet might already contain these two phytocompounds. You could be taking quercetin and curcumin together by eating an apple or drinking a turmeric latte or having a curry with onion and turmeric (as a flavoring agent). But what about taking them together as nutritional supplements?  

Quercetin and curcumin are natural ingredients in human nutrition and exhibit immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. The health-promoting benefits of these two natural polyphenols are well established with a relatively favorable safety profile. In this post, we discuss the potential benefits of taking quercetin and curcumin together and why you should consider advanced supplement formulations that optimize the absorption and bioavailability of these nutrients.  

Studies Supporting the Potential Benefits of Taking Quercetin and Curcumin Together 

Quercetin is a flavonoid polyphenol found in the highest concentrations in red onions, apples, grapes, green tea, parsley, dark cherries, and dark berries. It is an antioxidant that promotes immune functions, helps maintain the body’s normal inflammatory response, and supports a healthy heart.*

Curcumin is the primary bioactive constituent of turmeric root. Its antioxidant properties address exercise-induced muscle soreness, promote immune health, and provide cardiovascular, hepatic, metabolic, and gastrointestinal support.*   

Several studies highlight the potential benefits of taking quercetin and curcumin together to promote the immune and antioxidant defense systems.* The following table highlights studies that describe the benefits of co-supplementation of quercetin and curcumin. 

Studies Suggesting Benefits of Co-Supplementation of Quercetin and  Curcumin
Combined effects of quercetin and curcumin on wound healing: The mixture of quercetin and curcumin can inhibit the activities of harmful bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, that may be responsible for certain skin infections.* Additionally, quercetin and curcumin synergistically induce cell migration, which is critical in wound healing.*1
Combined effects of quercetin and curcumin on respiratory system: Daily co-supplementation of curcumin and quercetin downregulates hyper-inflammatory responses in the respiratory system, offering the potential to address specific respiratory conditions.*2
Combined effects of quercetin and curcumin on abnormal cell growth: Quercetin and curcumin synergistically influence cell signaling pathways to downregulate adverse inflammatory responses by cells and inhibit their abnormal growth.*3

Can I take Quercetin and Curcumin Together? It Depends. 

Now that you know the potential benefits of taking quercetin and curcumin together, two key factors determine if you should consider co-supplementing them. 

Safety

Although the positive safety profiles of quercetin and curcumin are well-established, there have been reports about side effects of these two compounds. 

Side effects of quercetin: Based on animal studies involving oral intake of quercetin, some potential safety aspects include possible nephrotoxic effects of quercetin in pre-damaged kidneys. Also, there is no adequate scientific data on the long-term use (longer than 12 weeks) of high supplemental quercetin doses (greater than 1,000 mg daily). Animal and human studies with short-term supplemental quercetin intake revealed potential interactions between quercetin and certain medications, resulting in altered drug bioavailability. 

Side effects of curcumin: The Allowable Daily Intake (ADI) value of curcumin is 0-3 mg/kg body weight. In a dose-response study, seven subjects receiving 500 – 12,000 mg daily experienced diarrhea, rash, and headache.⁴ In another study, some subjects receiving 0.45 – 3.6 g/day curcumin for 1-4 months reported nausea and diarrhea.⁵

Efficacy

The efficacy of taking quercetin and curcumin supplements together depends to a great degree on how they are formulated. Both antioxidants have poor natural absorption and bioavailability, which can make conventional formulations ineffective. Advanced nutrient delivery nanotechnology, such as using cyclodextrins, has been shown to enhance the absorption and solubility of these compounds. 

Tesseract Medical Research has developed innovative quercetin and curcumin supplement formulations that optimize their bioavailability, thus tapping their significant health-promoting properties. Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology enables unprecedented absorption of quercetin and curcumin while protecting them from being degraded during their transit through the stomach. The optimal bioavailability of these two nutrients helps in micro-dosing — using them in lesser amounts than previously required to achieve their health benefits.

So, coming back to the original question, “Can I take quercetin and curcumin supplements together?” The answer is, yes! However, always consult with your healthcare provider to understand potential contraindications, if any, with your prescription medications.

¹Chittasupho C, et al. Effects of quercetin and curcumin combination on . . . antioxidant, in vitro wound healing and migration of human dermal fibroblast cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences vol. 23,1 142. 23 Dec. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijms23010142

²Ujjan ID, et al. The possible therapeutic role of curcumin and quercetin in the early-stage of COVID-19. Results from a pragmatic randomized clinical trial. Frontiers in Nutrition vol. 9 1023997. 18 Jan. 2023, doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.1023997

³Srivastava NS, Srivastava RAK. Curcumin and quercetin synergistically . . . modulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling and apoptotic pathways in A375 cells. Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology vol. 52 (2019): 117-128. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2018.09.224

⁴Lao CD, et al. Dose escalation of a curcuminoid formulation. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine vol. 6 10. 17 Mar. 2006, doi:10.1186/1472-6882-6-10

⁵Sharma RA, et al. Phase I clinical trial of oral curcumin: biomarkers of systemic activity and compliance. Clinical Cancer Research: an Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research vol. 10,20 (2004): 6847-54. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-04-0744

Are you considering building a supplement routine? 

The first step toward building a supplement routine is to consult your healthcare provider to understand the nutrients your body needs, their advantages, any side effects, and potential contraindications, if any, with prescription medicines. After you have determined the nutrients you should take to accomplish specific health goals, the next step is building a supplement routine. 

Here’s what you need to know about how to build a supplement routine for promoting various health functions and overall well-being. Use the links below to jump ahead to a topic of interest.

What is a Supplement Routine? 

A supplement routine refers to your daily intake of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support various health functions and to achieve various wellness goals. Establishing a supplement routine can help you fill nutrient gaps in your diet arising from a specific health condition, dietary restrictions, or a busy schedule.  The following table highlights several essential nutrients that should be added to a supplement routine. 

Essential Nutrients to Build A Supplement Routine

Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, D, K, and B vitamins and folic acid are among essential vitamins for normal cell functioning, growth, and development.    Calcium: Calcium is essential for the development, growth, and maintenance of bones. The body also needs calcium to circulate blood, move muscles, and release hormones.  Iron: The body uses iron to make hemoglobin (which carries oxygen from the lungs to the body) and myoglobin (a protein that provides oxygen to muscles).  Omega-3 fatty acids: These ‘healthy fats’ promote brain and heart health, lower triglycerides in the blood, and help limit joint inflammation.   Proteins: Proteins form the main structural elements of cells and are involved in the functioning of all the body’s organs. Proteins consist of chains of amino acids, categorized as essential and non-essential. Your supplement routine should include essential amino acids because the body cannot synthesize them.   Potassium: It is the most abundant intracellular metabolite and is necessary for the normal functioning of cells. Potassium is vital for synthesizing proteins, metabolizing carbohydrates, regulating heartbeat, and proper functioning of muscles and nerves.  Magnesium: Magnesium helps regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, protein synthesis, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, protein production, and DNA repair.   Zinc: Zinc supports the immune system, plays a role in cell division and growth, promotes DNA and protein synthesis, and helps heal wounds.

In addition to these essential nutrients, you should consider including botanicals (plant-derived compounds) to provide your body with much-needed antioxidant support. 

Determine Your Health, Wellness, and Fitness Goals 

What are your health, wellness, and fitness goals? Is it boosting your immune system, strengthening your muscles and bones, aiming for healthy aging, achieving cardiovascular fitness? Irrespective of your goals in these areas, you should never forget that a balanced diet, an active lifestyle consisting of moderate-intensity exercises, and adequate sleep are the keys to good health. A supplement routine can further promote health, wellness, and fitness goals by filling nutrient gaps in your diet.   

While determining your health, wellness, and fitness goals and building a supplement routine, you should follow some tips, including: 

• Setting realistic goals: Fitness goals should be realistic and achievable within a specific timeline. 

• Starting Small: Break down your overall health, wellness, and fitness goals into small, manageable mini-goals. Remember that a supplement routine will often take time to show results. 

• Creating A Schedule: Whether take supplements before a workout or at a specific time during the day, creating a schedule and sticking to it is critical to achieving your goals. 

Include Botanicals in Your Supplement Routine

Botanical supplements are formulated with nutrients extracted or derived from plant parts (phytonutrients) and used in traditional and complementary therapies. Botanicals have been historically used across cultures in the form of teas, fresh or dried herbs, decoctions, infusions, and tinctures. Botanical supplements are commercially available as capsules, tablets, softgels, liquids, powders, and gelcaps. 

The following table highlights several proven phytonutrients that promote various health functions and should be included in your supplement routine.   

Phytonutrients to Support Various Health Functions
Anandamide	This nutrient in the body’s endocannabinoid system helps regulate emotional responses to stress, balances immune responses in the gut, induces appetite, enhances learning and memory processes in the brain, and increases adenosine levels, a sleep-inducing molecule in the brain.*1,2,3,4
Berberine	This phytochemical is extracted from the roots, rhizomes, and stem bark of barberry trees. It promotes glucose and lipid metabolism, supports immune health, and helps in weight management.*5,6,7
Butyric Acid	Butyric acid benefits the activity of the gut microbiome and helps maintain healthy gastrointestinal inflammatory responses.* Growing evidence on how the gut microbiome influences brain functions suggests the potential role of butyric acid in regulating behavior, including social communication.*
Coenzyme Q10	CoQ10 is best known for its cardioprotective benefits, which include improving lipid profiles, protecting cardiac muscular tissues from oxidative stress, maintaining normal blood pressure, and countering muscle soreness and cramping caused by statin intake.*
Citrulline	It is an amino acid that enhances the levels of L-arginine and nitric oxide (NO), which increases blood flow and induces vasodilation.8
Curcumin	Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that helps maintain the body’s natural inflammatory response.* It promotes optimal functioning of the heart, liver, joints, immune system, and gastrointestinal system.*
Glutathione	As a detoxifying agent and the body’s primary antioxidant, glutathione promotes immune functions, the gastrointestinal, nervous, and endocrine systems, and healthy skin and hair.*
Lipoic Acid	R-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that supports the endocrine and immune systems and promotes normal heart and brain functions.*
Quercetin	Quercetin displays antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties that help maintain normal blood pressure levels, promote healthy kidney function, maintain healthy skin, and enhance gut microbial diversity.*
Saw Palmetto	Saw palmetto extract is well known for promoting prostate health, limiting hair loss, regulating testosterone levels, and addressing the urinary discomfort associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).*
Thymoquinone	Thymoquinone helps limit oxidative stress by up-regulating cell signaling pathways and increasing the activity of the cells’ antioxidant system.*

Select Advanced Supplement Formulations

Your efforts toward building a supplement routine will be futile if you do not use supplement formulations that achieve optimal absorption. Nutrients such as glutathione and curcumin are naturally difficult for the body to absorb and therefore require advanced nutrient delivery technology. The efficacy of a supplement’s active ingredients depends on the following:

• Bioavailability: Not all supplements are formulated alike. It is essential to select a supplement formulated to optimize both bioavailability and localized absorption in the required areas of the gut. 

• Palatability: A supplement’s palatability is critical for masking the unpleasant taste and odor of its ingredients and making it tolerable for oral intake.

Nanodelivery of nutrient molecules through carriers such as cyclodextrins has been found to enhance nutrient absorption and bioavailability, thereby achieving their health-promoting benefits. 

Track Your Health, Wellness, and Fitness Results

Tracking your health, wellness, and fitness results enables you to understand the efficacy of the supplement formulations you are taking. The following are ways to track your health, wellness, and fitness goals. 

• Journaling: A daily fitness journal can help you record the exercises you do in every session, your time on the treadmill, the number of reps and sets you complete, etc.

• Fitness tracking apps: Fitness trackers are ‘smart’ devices that digitally journal your health progress and record the number of steps you walk in a day, your heart rate, and other information.

• Measuring yourself: Measuring your waist, hips, thighs, and arms instead of just weighing yourself provides better insights toward achieving fitness goals. 

• Taking progress photos: Weekly or monthly photos taken at the same time every time is another way to check the visual effects of exercising, diet, and a supplement routine.

Build A Supplement Routine with Tesseract Formulations

Building a successful supplement routine relies on including advanced supplement formulations that will transform active nutrients into a therapeutic reality. Tesseract Medical Research has formulated a wide range of supplements with proven nutrients that promote various health and wellness functions. Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology enables the delivery of active nutrient molecules through the gastrointestinal tract — one palatable molecule at a time. CyLoc® technology encases each molecule and creates nano-sized particles, thereby protecting each molecule from breaking down during transit through the stomach. DexKey® technology accompanies each CyLoc® molecule and releases it at the desired point in the intestinal tract for maximum absorption and effectiveness. 

This unprecedented absorption of nutrient molecules in the gastrointestinal tract enables micro-dosing, which means using lower amounts of the active ingredients in supplement formulations than previously required.

Tesseract Medical Research is committed to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). We utilize the most appropriate and scientifically advanced analytical techniques, as well as a well-designed quality control system, to develop the finest quality nutritional supplements.

¹Gobbi G, et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 2005;102,51:18620-18625. doi:10.1073/pnas.0509591102

²Pandey R, et al. Endocannabinoids and immune regulation. Pharmacological Research 2009;60,2:85-92. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2009.03.019

³Jamshidi N, Taylor DA. British Journal of Pharmacology 2001;134,6:1151-1154. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704379

³Murillo-Rodriguez E, et al. Sleep 2003;26,8:943-947. doi:10.1093/sleep/26.8.943

⁴Stone NL, et al. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 2018;12;269. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00269

⁵Li Z, et al. Antioxidant …activities of berberine… Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2014:289264. doi:10.1155/2014/289264

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

⁷Rong Q, et al. Berberine reduces lipid accumulation by promoting fatty acid oxidation …. Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022;12:729384. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.729384

⁸Miyatake S, et al. Oral administration of L-citrulline alters the vascular delivery of substances to rat skeletal muscles. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports 2021;28:101149. doi:10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101149

What Is Butyrate? 

Butyrate, also known as butanoic acid or butyric acid, is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that is produced in the intestinal tract by microbial fermentation of undigested dietary carbohydrates—in other words, it comes from the gut as the gut breaks down fiber. It exerts beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health by serving as the primary energy source of colonocytes and influencing the gut-brain axis. As the primary metabolic regulator for the energy used in those cells, butyrate has beneficial effects for other body functions both inside and outside the intestinal tract.* In fact, emerging studies have highlighted its impact on various other functions in the body, making it a supplement of significant interest among healthcare practitioners, patients, researchers, and consumers.

Here’s what you need to know about this remarkably versatile nutrient for promoting gut health and beyond.

Interesting Quick Facts About Butyric Acid:

How A Butyrate Supplement Benefits Your Gut and Overall Health 

Butyrate provides beneficial effects for several distinct bodily systems. A growing number of studies have revealed new results and nutritional support benefits of butyrate on a wide range of health functions. The table below lists several examples in which butyrate plays an important role in benefiting not just the gastrointestinal environment, but also overall health and wellness.

Beneficial Effects of Butyrate
Metabolic Regulation	Butyrate stimulates the colon to absorb sodium chloride (NaCl), which helps prevent dehydration.*
Cell Regulation	Butyrate regulates the cell cycle (growth and division) by inducing beneficial changes in gene expression associated with multiple signaling pathways.*
Intestinal-Barrier Support	Butyrate stimulates the MUC2 gene to produce mucin — the glycoproteins (mucus) produced by colonocytes that act as a protective internal coating.*
Oxidative Stress	Studies1 show that butyrate down-regulates oxidative stress in the colonic mucosa — the glands and connective tissue that cover the inside of the colon.*
Immune Regulation	Butyrate can influence immune responses in intestinal mucosa by up-regulating the migration of beneficial immune cells, their adhesion, and their cellular functions.*
Intestinal Motility	Butyrate can enhance colonic motility — the peristaltic motion of the intestine that keeps you “regular.”*

Beyond the gastrointestinal environment, butyrate has been found to display a wide range of benefits, like maintaining equilibrium through the gut-brain axis, which highlights its potential for addressing various health-related issues.*

Tips for A Diet Rich in Butyrate

“Eat More Roughage”: Incorporate Fiber-Rich Foods

You’ve probably heard that including fiber (“roughage”) in your diet helps with digestion, bowel regularity, and weight management. It’s true – the presence of undigested dietary fiber in the intestines is closely associated with the gut’s production of butyrate. Continue reading to learn how.

How Does Dietary Fiber Promote Digestion? 

Dietary fiber refers to edible plant parts that are resistant to digestion or absorption in the small intestine. 

These digestion-resistant dietary carbohydrates are made up of: 

• Non-starch polysaccharides 
• Non-digestible oligosaccharides 
• Resistant starch 

These carbohydrates are fermented into SCFAs by bacteria in the large intestine. Any remaining dietary fiber not broken down by bacteria travels intact to the colon and adds bulk and weight to stool, making it easier to pass.  

A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of butyrate-rich food sources supports the intestinal ecosystem. The following table highlights several food sources that can add fiber to the diet and enhance butyrate production in the gut. 

Building a Butyrate-Rich Diet
	Legumes: Beans, lentils, soybeans, and peas are good sources of fermentable fiber. Dried legumes contain 20-30 percent resistant starch, as well as a high amount of galactooligosaccharides (GOS) – prebiotics made of plant sugars.
	Whole grains: Whole grains, partially milled grains, cooked and cooled rice, and brans from cereals like wheat, rye, and oats are good sources of resistant starch. Studies report that consuming whole-grain cereals or brans can reduce intestinal transit time and accelerate the body’s production of butyrate from fiber.
	Fruits and vegetables: Apples, unripe bananas, plantains, apricots, kiwis, pears, blueberries, and raspberries contain fermentable fibers for butyrate production. Cooked and cooled potatoes are another great source of resistant starch. Red and green cabbages, leeks, garlic, broccoli, scallions, white onions, and kale all contain high levels of oligosaccharides.
	Nuts and seeds: The coatings of nuts and edible seeds are another food source rich in resistant starch. Almonds are a good source of fiber, providing about three grams per ounce. Other seeds, like pistachios, sunflower kernels, and chia, also add fiber to your diet.
	Dairy products: Moderate servings of full-fat dairy products, like cheese and butter, help with butyrate production in the intestine.

The American Heart Association and Academey of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend 38 grams of dietary fiber daily for men and 25 grams daily for women.

Butyrate Supplements: An Alternative to Fiber-Rich Diets?

While a fiber-rich diet is generally recommended for its numerous helath benefits, there are specific considerations where high fiber intake may not be advisable. In such situations, particularly for individuals expereiencing GI discomfort or issues with gut motility, butyrate supplementation may be beneficial for the following reasons:

1. Support for Gut Health: Butyrate can support a healthy inflammatory response in the gut and support the reapir of the gut lining to help soothe discomfort in cases where gut health may be compromised.*
2. Improved Gastrointestinal Function: Butyrate may assitst in encouraging healthy gut motiliy and overall digestive function.*
3. Gradual Introduction for Sensitivity: For those who may experience sensitivity to changes in their diet or supplementation, inclduing fiber or other gut-supportive compounds, butyrate may offer a gentle way to support proper digestive function.*

In each case, butyrate supplemetation could be a beneficial option for providing comprehensive gut health support. Hether it’s oral ingestion of butyrate mineral salts or sodium butyrate enemas, it is important to tailor its use based on individual tolerance and specific health needs.

Butyrate Supplements are Preferable to Raw Butyric Acid 

Although research studies are inconclusive about the optimal intake of butyrate supplementation, 150-300 mg/day is usually the suggested amount of butyrate to supplement.

When considering an oral butyrate supplement, a question to ask is whether it will really work. Several animal studies have established the beneficial effects of butyrate supplementation in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. 

Even in significantly high amounts, clinical evidence indicates good tolerance of oral butyrate with no adverse reactions or side effects². The following table indicates how a butyrate supplement can benefit you compared to the oral intake of raw butyric acid.

Comparison: Raw Butyric Acid versus Butyrate Supplement
	Raw Butyric Acid	Butyrate Supplement
Palatability	Raw butyric acid has a highly pungent odor and acrid taste, making it difficult to tolerate.	Advanced supplement formulations make butyrate more palatable, resulting in excellent patient compliance.
Absorption	Raw butyric acid is quickly absorbed in the upper part of the GI tract, which reduces its beneficial effects lower down in the colon. (Ineffective delivery.)	Encapsulated butyrate supplements have the capability to address the utility limitation of raw butyric acid if they are properly designed and formulated to enhance both absorption and release timing. (Target acquired.)

These significant butyrate supplement benefits make this short-chain fatty acid a reality for maintaining optimal gut health.*      

Selecting An Advanced Butyrate Supplement

Determining the right butyrate supplement can be challenging while analyzing the various products available on the market. The efficacy of a butyrate supplement depends on the following:

• Bioavailability: Not all butyrate supplements are formulated alike. It is essential to select a supplement formulated to optimize both bioavailability and localized absorption in the required areas of the gut. 

• Palatability: The palatability of a butyrate supplement is equally critical for masking its unpleasant taste and odor and making it tolerable for oral intake.

ProButyrate® — a hypoallergenic butyrate formulation developed by Tesseract Medical Research, uses the revolutionary CyLoc® – DexKey® delivery system to enhance the bioavailability and palatability of butyrate molecules. 

What is the CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery system? 

Tesseract’s proprietary nutrient delivery technology enables the delivery of butyrate molecules through the gastrointestinal tract — one palatable molecule at a time. CyLoc® technology encases each butyrate molecule and creates nano-sized particles, thereby masking butyrate’s unpalatable taste and smell and protecting each molecule from breaking down during transit through the stomach. Tesseract’s DexKey® technology accompanies each CyLoc® molecule and releases the molecule at the desired point in the intestinal tract for maximum absorption and effectiveness. 

This unprecedented absorption of butyrate molecules in the gastrointestinal tract enables micro-dosing — the ability to use a lower amount of the active ingredient in the ProButyrate® formulation to achieve and help maintain a healthy inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal tract.* With ProButyrate®, you can take control of your gut health and introduce butyrate supplementation in your diet with ease.*

Tesseract Medical Research is committed to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). We utilize the most appropriate and scientifically advanced analytical techniques, along with a well-designed quality control system, to develop the finest quality nutritional supplements.  

References: 

¹Hamer HM, Jonkers DM, Bast A, et al. Clinical Nutrition 2009 Feb;28(1):88-93. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2008.11.002. Epub 2008 Dec 23. PMID: 19108937.

²Banasiewicz T, Domagalska D, Borycka-Kiciak K, Rydzewska G. Prz Gastroenterology 2020;15(2):119-125. doi: 10.5114/pg.2020.95556. Epub 2020 Jun 8. PMID: 32550943; PMCID: PMC7294979.

Article Summary:

• Supplement stacks are developed to cater to an individual’s specific nutritional support needs.
• It is always recommended to consult with your health-care provider before considering including a supplement stack in your diet.
• A supplement stack should contain formulations that optimize the absorption and bioavailability of active nutrients in the stack. 
• Tesseract’s proprietary nutrient delivery nanotechnology enables targeted delivery of active nutrients to optimize their absorption and bioavailability.

A supplement stack typically refers to combining two or more nutritional supplements to achieve specific training goals, to enhance athletic performance, or to better leverage a specific health and wellness goal. Supplement stacks can ensure that your body receives the vital nutrients needed to achieve the results you desire. 

Interestingly, biological aging, characterized primarily by progressive cellular deterioration, begins right after an individual’s reproductive peak. In particular, oxidative stress, along with out-of-balance inflammatory responses, contributes significantly to aging. Supplement stacks contain a wide range of nutrients that can provide antioxidant support and help maintain normal inflammatory response in cells, which limits the impact of cellular deterioration on various health functions.

This article explains the benefits of combined supplementation, highlighting several research studies, and how to build the best supplement stack for overall health and wellness with Tesseract’s innovative supplement formulations.  

The Benefits of Combined Supplementation

A supplement stack can achieve the benefits of combined supplementation. The active nutrients in multiple supplements reinforce each other, with their synergistic activity providing optimal support to various health functions. 

It is worth noting that there is no one best supplement stack for overall health and wellness, because it so much depends on an individual’s specific nutritional support requirements. Some of the most common nutrients included in supplement routines are: 

• Vitamins: Vitamins B, C, D, E, and K, folic acid  

• Minerals: Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc 

• Botanical compounds: Berberine, curcumin, coenzyme Q10, glutathione, quercetin, thymoquinone, saw palmetto 

• Fatty acids: Anandamide, butyric acid, lipoic acid 

• Amino acids: Beta-alanine, casein, creatine, whey protein 

The following table summarizes several studies that highlight the benefits of combined supplementation.

Clinical Studies Highlighting the Benefits of Combined Supplementation
Combined supplementation of CoQ10 and other nutrients: A combined supplementation of coenzyme Q10, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B12, folic acid, and niacin has been found to enhance cardiac functions and influence insulin resistance.1
Combined effects of citrulline and beetroot extract: Citrulline and nitrate-rich beetroot extract are nitric oxide precursors. The combined effects of these two compounds can potentially enhance maximal and endurance strength.2
Effects of a five-ingredient nutritional supplement and resistant exercise: A randomized clinical trial on free-living elderly individuals studied the efficacy of daily intake of a five-ingredient supplement (whey, micellar casein, creatine, vitamin D3, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids), in combination with home-based, unsupervised resistant exercise. The regimen was found to enhance lean mass strength, muscle-to-fat ratios, and muscle quality in the healthy older men.3

Although the benefits of combined supplementation have been established through research, before considering a supplement stack, you should focus on a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and moderate exercise.  

Developing the Best Supplement Stack for Overall Health with Tesseract’s Formulations

Tesseract Medical Research has developed a wide range of supplement formulations with trusted nutrients, many of which have traditionally been difficult to absorb. Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® —DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology enhances the palatability, absorption, and bioavailability of these nutrients to help achieve their therapeutic benefits. 

The following are several of Tesseract’s innovative formulations to help you build the best supplement stack for overall health and wellness. 

• AnaQuell®: This anandamide supplement supports a healthy response to stress and mild (non-GAD) anxiety and promotes mental and emotional well-being.* 

• AuRx®: A gold-standard medical food that contains a stabilized butyric acid complex to help alleviate behavioral changes in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

• CoQ10 Pro®: Tesseract’s proprietary nutrient delivery nanotechnology enables optimized transport and absorption of CoQ10 to promote cardiovascular health.* 

• TetraCumin®: This curcumin supplement contains tetrahydrocurcumin — a more stabilized and bioavailable form of curcumin — to promote a healthy response to oxidative stress and help maintain normal immune function and musculoskeletal health.* 

• SafeCell®: This formulation contains S-acetyl glutathione to enhance detoxification in the liver and promote healthy aging.* 

Tesseract’s supplement formulations assure unprecedented absorption and bioavailability of nutrients to make achieving their benefits a reality.  

References: 

¹Tippairote T, et al. Combined supplementation of coenzyme Q10 and other nutrients in specific medical conditions. Nutrients 2022;14,20;4383. doi:10.3390/nu14204383

²Burgos J, et al. Combined effects of citrulline plus nitrate-rich beetroot extract co-supplementation on maximal and endurance-strength and aerobic power in trained male triathletes: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients 2021;14,1:40.  doi:10.3390/nu14010040
³Nilsson MI, et al. A five-ingredient nutritional supplement and home-based resistance exercise improve lean mass and strength in free-living elderly. Nutrients 2020;12,8:2391.  doi:10.3390/nu12082391

Originally published 4/11/2023; updated 1/24/2025

Article Summary

• Curcumin is known to enhance the availability of vascular nitric oxide and to help maintain normal blood pressure.*
• The poor absorption and bioavailability of curcumin hinder its beneficial effects in promoting cardiovascular health.*
• Because tetrahydrocurcumin is more bioactive than other curcumin supplements, it provides enhanced cardiovascular support.*
• Tesseract’s curcumin supplement utilizes tetrahydrocurcumin, and Tesseract’s proprietary nutrient delivery technology enhances its absorption to help achieve curcumin’s blood pressure-supportive properties.*

High blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (SBP) is consistently ≥130 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is consistently ≥80 mmHg.

Curcumin, the main bioactive compound in turmeric, can exert beneficial effects on blood pressure.* The interaction of curcumin with multiple molecular targets has been extensively researched to understand its cardioprotective effects.* 

If you are considering a curcumin supplement to support your heart health and help maintain normal blood pressure, here are several research-backed answers to frequently asked questions:

How do curcumin’s blood pressure-supportive properties work?

Nitric oxide plays an active role in dilating blood vessels, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure. Curcumin supplementation has been found to enhance the availability of vascular nitric oxide.* The following studies highlight the role of curcumin in promoting heart health: 

• A clinical study of 39 healthy, middle-aged, older adults who were administered curcumin (2,000 mg/day) for 12 weeks demonstrated enhanced function of the endothelium — the thin membrane lining the inside of the heart and blood vessels.*¹
• A systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies involving 734 participants suggested that curcumin consumption helps maintain normal systolic blood pressure (SBP) when administered over long durations.*²

Do prescription medications influence curcumin’s blood pressure-supportive properties? 

Amlodipine is a widely used anti-hypertensive drug that blocks the movement of cellular calcium, which relaxes smooth muscles in the heart and blood vessels. As smooth muscles relax, it reduces the amount of pressure exerted by the heart to eject blood during the contraction of the heart’s ventricles. This pressure is recorded as systolic blood pressure. 

The results of an animal study evaluating the effect of the co-administration of curcumin with amlodipine suggest that hypertensive individuals taking amlodipine can also consume curcumin without inhibiting amlodipine’s blood-pressure-lowering effect and may derive additional benefit from taking curcumin.*³

What is the best way to incorporate curcumin into your diet? 

Nutrition and lifestyle are critical to maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall heart health. Turmeric has been traditionally incorporated into the diet as a spice or food additive, lending a distinctive yellow color and “curry” flavor to the food. However, curcumin exists in relatively small amounts for the standard use of turmeric for culinary purposes and it undergoes (in rapid succession) rapid absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid elimination from the body, resulting in poor bioavailability. This is why eating turmeric in foods often does not result in achieving curcumin’s important health benefits.Studies show that various strategies used in formulating curcumin supplements can enhance curcumin’s absorption and bioavailability, making a curcumin supplement the best way to incorporate curcumin into the diet.⁴

Strategies to Enhance Curcumin Absorption and Bioavailability
Lipid additions	Turmeric oil, piperine, and turmeric oleoresin
Particle size reduction	Micellar and nanoparticle formulations
Enhanced delivery systems	Solid-lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, and microgels

What is the recommended use of curcumin for supporting heart health?

The Allowable Daily Intake Value of curcumin, as determined by the European Food Safety Authority, is up to 3 mg/kg of body weight daily (1 kg = 2.2 lbs).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration categorizes turmeric as a ‘Generally Recognized as Safe’ (GRAS) food ingredient, with curcuminoids used as antioxidant and flavoring agents at maximum levels of <20 mg per serving in specific foods.

It is worth noting that there are no definitive statistics on effective amounts of curcumin or turmeric for helping to maintain normal blood pressure and supporting heart health.* However, clinical studies involving the daily administration of single doses of 500 mg to 12,000 mg of curcumin to healthy volunteers show excellent tolerance of curcumin in humans.⁵

How do I determine the right curcumin supplement to benefit my blood pressure? 

The efficacy of using a curcumin supplement for maintaining a healthy blood pressure level is determined by how well the curcumin is absorbed by the body.* The best curcumin supplement formulation not only enhances curcumin’s bioavailability, it also makes it more palatable and easily tolerated. 

Tesseract Medical Research’s TetraCumin® contains tetrahydrocurcumin, a highly bioactive derivative of curcumin. Because of its stable chemical structure and solubility in water, tetrahydrocurcumin exhibits superior potential to curcumin. Tetrahydrocurcumin’s chemical stability contributes to its enhanced bioavailability and absorption in the body, thereby boosting its efficacy.

Tesseract’s revolutionary CyLoc®-DexKey® nutrient delivery technology further enables targeted delivery of active ingredients while masking their unpalatable taste and smell to achieve unprecedented absorption. With TetraCumin®, you can obtain curcumin’s blood pressure-supportive properties for maintaining optimal heart health.*

References:

¹Santos-Parker JR, et al. Curcumin supplementation improves vascular endothelial function in healthy middle-aged and older adults by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and reducing oxidative stress. Aging 2017; 9,1:187-208. doi:10.18632/aging.101149

²Hadi A, et al. The effect of curcumin/turmeric on blood pressure modulation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacological Research 2019;150:104505. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104505

³Lee S, et al. Effect of co-administration of curcumin with amlodipine in hypertension. Nutrients 2021;13,8;2797.  doi:10.3390/nu13082797

⁴Stohs SJ, et al. Highly bioavailable forms of curcumin and promising avenues for curcumin-based research and application: A review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 2020;25,6:1397. doi:10.3390/molecules25061397
⁵Lao CD, et al. Dose escalation of a curcuminoid formulation. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2006;6:10.  doi:10.1186/1472-6882-6-10

Originally published 4/25/2023; updated 1/22/2025

Article Summary:

• Curcumin’s natural unstable chemical structure results in poor solubility, rapid metabolism, and low absorption in the gut.
• Tetrahydrocurcumin, a primary active metabolite of curcumin, is more bioavailable than curcumin.
• Various advanced nanodelivery systems are being used to enhance curcumin’s bioavailability.
• Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery system optimizes the absorption and bioavailability of curcumin to help achieve its health benefits.

The bioavailability of a nutrient is its ability to enter the circulation when introduced into the body and exert its active effect. Curcumin, the yellow pigment found in turmeric, is well-known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to help maintain the body’s normal inflammatory responses. However, curcumin’s poor natural bioavailability negatively impacts its efficacy in supplement formulations. This post explains the factors that influence the bioavailability of curcumin, as well as the various pharmacological approaches being taken to enhance its absorption and bioavailability. 

Factors That Influence The Bioavailability of Curcumin

The bioavailability of a nutritional supplement relies on several key factors: its transformation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, its bioaccessibility, and its subsequent metabolism, particularly in the liver. A 2015 human study tracked the degradation of orally ingested curcumin.¹ The low bioavailability of curcumin revealed in this study is attributable to its chemical instability, which leads to: 

• Poor solubility in water 
• Rapid metabolism
• Low absorption from the gut
• Rapid systemic elimination

These factors result in very low—or even undetectable—concentrations of curcumin in the blood and extra-intestinal tissues after supplementation. 

How Does Curcumin Break Down in The Body? 

• In the GI tract, curcumin tightly binds to mucus, which delays its uptake by epithelial cells and begins to cause oxidative degradation. 
• After being transported into epithelial cells, curcumin undergoes extensive Phase I and Phase II metabolism in the liver.
• Phase I metabolism reduces curcuminoids into dihydrocurcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin, hexahydrocurcumin, and octahydrocurcumin. Phase I metabolism is followed by Phase II conjugation with sulfate, glucuronide, and glutathione.
• Curcumin and its metabolites then proceed to the intestinal lumen for elimination, where they are further metabolized by the gut microbiome in the colon, leaving little opportunity for reabsorption. 
• What few curcumin compounds are reabsorbed are again metabolized by hepatocytes in the liver, transforming them into reduced and conjugated forms — the majority of which enter the bile with only minor amounts entering circulation. 
• After entering circulation, curcumin and its metabolites adhere strongly to proteins, particularly albumin. 

A Study Highlighting The Poor Absorption of Curcumin

Several human studies have investigated the poor absorption of curcumin. A dose escalation study in 2006 was performed on 24 healthy participants to determine the maximum tolerated dose and the safety of a single dose of curcumin powder extract.² With doses ranging from 0.5 g to 12 g, although the study revealed excellent tolerance of curcumin, no curcumin was detected in the serum of the subjects given amounts between 0.5 g and 8 g. Low levels of curcumin were detected in the participants who were administered 10 g or 12 g.

Approaches Undertaken to Increase The Bioavailability of Curcumin

Various novel approaches are being explored to increase curcumin’s bioavailability. Today, the most promising of these approaches involves using tetrahydrocurcumin.   

Tetrahydrocurcumin: The Most Bioavailable Form of Curcumin

Tetrahydrocurcumin—one of the primary active metabolites of curcumin, exhibits bioactivities similar to those of curcumin, but it is more easily absorbed in the GI tract. A 2013 animal study involving the administration of Curcuma-P® for four weeks found the presence of tetrahydrocurcumin—but not curcumin—inside subcutaneous adipose tissue.³ Several other studies have also shown that tetrahydrocurcumin is more bioactive than curcumin and appears to be a superior antioxidant with enhanced bioavailability.*

Enhancing the Bioavailability of Curcumin

Several nutritional supplement formulations have been designed to enhance curcumin’s bioavailability:

• A combination of curcumin and piperine: Piperine is the natural alkaloid of black pepper. A combination of curcumin and piperine produces significantly higher serum concentrations of curcumin than does curcumin alone. 

• A curcuminoid mixture with lecithin: It has better bioavailability than a non-lecithin curcuminoid mixture.   

Curcumin formulated as hydrophilic nanoparticles exhibits enhanced gastrointestinal absorption. A 2014 study on comparative absorption of various curcumin formulations revealed a 46-fold increase in oral absorption of a water-soluble curcumin formulation compared to unformulated curcumin.⁴

Curcumin delivery systems like liposomes, micelles, microemulsions, nano-emulsions, phospholipid complexes, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and microgels all hold great potential in enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin.

Advanced tetrahydrocurcumin formulations, such as Tesseract Medical Research’s TetraCumin®, enhance the bioavailability of curcumin even further with a revolutionary delivery technology designed to ensure maximum absorption. The resulting enhanced curcumin absorption, in turn, unlocks the immense therapeutic potential of curcumin for supporting musculoskeletal health and immune function in the body.*

References

¹Schneider C, et al. Degradation of curcumin: From mechanism to biological implications. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2015;63,357606-7614. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.5b00244

²Lao CD, et al. Dose escalation of a curcuminoid formulation. BMC Complementary and Alternative Nedicine 2006;6:10. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-6-10

³Neyrinck AM, et al. Curcuma longa extract associated with white pepper lessens high fat diet-induced inflammation in subcutaneous adipose tissue. PloS One 2013;8:11 e81252. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0081252

⁴Jäger R, et al. Comparative absorption of curcumin formulations. Nutrition Journal 2014;13:11. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-11

Article Summary:

• A butyrate nutritional supplement is a better alternative to butyrate mineral salts or sodium butyrate enema.
• The beneficial health-promoting effects of butyrate supplements help maintain intestinal homeostasis and energy metabolism.*
• Tesseract Medical Research’s revolutionary CyLoc® – DexKey® nanotechnology enables optimal absorption of butyric acid to promote good gastrointestinal health.*

Butyric acid (or butyrate) is a short-chain fatty acid that exerts beneficial health-promoting effects on the gastrointestinal tract.* Butyric acid is produced when the beneficial bacteria in the gut breaks down and ferments dietary fiber, and subsequently becomes a major energy source for colon cells (colonocytes). A fiber-rich healthy diet helps maintain the normal production of butyric acid in the gut. However, you might need butyrate supplementation under conditions involving —

• Increased metabolic demand of colonocytes due to intestinal damage or inflammation
• Increased energy expenditure due to gastrointestinal pathologies
• Intestinal stress with an accelerated intestinal passage and increased intestinal excretion
• Disruption in the balance of intestinal flora

Traditionally, butyrate supplementation has been administered through sodium butyrate enemas or the oral intake of butyrate mineral salts. Although oral intake of butyrate is preferred over rectal administration, the distinct unpleasant taste and odor can make it challenging to consume. Encapsulated butyrate, delivered in the form of capsules containing butyrate mineral salts, offers a more palatable and bioavailable alternative, improving the absorption and effectiveness of supplementation.

Below, we discuss some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about encapsulated butyrate capsules, their uses and benefits, and why you should include an advanced butyrate supplement formulation to support your gut health.*    

Frequently Asked Questions About Butyrate Capsules

Chemically, because butyric acid is free and volatile, it is made into the relatively stable form of sodium butyrate as a nutritional supplement. An encapsulated butyrate capsule typically contains a maximum of 300 mg of butyrate, with encapsulation techniques enabling the slow and targeted release of the active ingredient. The following are some common queries about encapsulated butyrate supplements.  

What Are the Uses of Encapsulated Butyrate Supplements?

Butyrate supplementation helps maintain intestinal homeostasis and energy metabolism.* An encapsulated butyrate supplement is commonly used for:

• Alleviating gastrointestinal dysfunction: Butyrate supplements enhance natural healing and regeneration processes in the intestinal epithelium affected by gastrointestinal disorders related to digestion and fermentation.* 

• Addressing infrequent or difficult bowel movements: Butyrate supplementation combined with probiotics supports normal intestinal motility.* 

• Countering dehydration associated with loose, watery, and too frequent bowel movements: Butyrate supplements increase the passive absorption of water and sodium chloride in the colon to limit dehydration caused by loose bowel movements.   

Is It Safe to Take a Butyrate Capsule Daily?

The recommended amount of butyrate intake is 150-300 mg, which ranges between 1.5-3% and 15-30% of the reported daily demand. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies butyric acid as generally considered safe (GRAS). Butyrate is a safe and well-tolerated supplement with no toxicity and minimal adverse effects reported, even in amounts significantly higher than recommended.    

How Do You Benefit from the Daily Intake of a Butyrate Supplement? 

Butyrate helps maintain a normal inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal tract to counter oxidative stress.* The short-chain fatty acid also exerts immuno-modulatory effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa.* The following table highlights some benefits associated with regular intake of a butyrate capsules. 

Butyrate Capsules Benefits
Addressing oxidative Stress*	Pre-clinical studies 1 show that butyrate modulates oxidative stress in the colonic mucosa.
Regulating energy metabolism	As a critical mediator of gut microbiota, butyrate regulates 2 energy metabolism and energy homeostasis.*
Modulating immune responses*	Butyrate can influence immune responses in intestinal mucosa by modulating the migration of immune cells, their adhesion, and cellular functions.*
Enhancing intestinal-barrier function*	Butyrate stimulates the production of mucin — the mucus produced by colonocytes that acts as a protective internal coating.

Can I Take a Butyrate Supplement with Prescription Medications?

The safety profile of butyrate supplements is well-established. However, it is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before including a butyrate supplement in your diet or taking one with prescription medications. 

Why Should I Take an Advanced Butyrate Supplement Formulation?

Natural, ‘non-enveloped’ butyrate is primarily absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract. As a result, most butyrate fails to reach the large intestine, including the colon, where it exerts its beneficial functions. Advanced butyrate supplement formulations contain butyrate glycerides and butyrate salts, as well as different encapsulation techniques to target its absorption in the lower intestinal tract. 

A Palatable Butyrate Capsule for Optimal Bioavailability and Absorption

ProButyrate® is an innovative butyrate capsule developed by Tesseract Medical Research that enhances the bioavailability and absorption of butyrate. The proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology maintains the integrity of the butyrate molecules during transit through the stomach, mask their unpleasant taste and odor, and ensure their targeted delivery at the desired spot in the intestinal tract. The result is a palatable butyrate supplementation that achieves maximum absorption to help stabilize the gut microbiome and support a healthy inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal tract.*

Citation:

¹Guo W, et al. Butyrate alleviates oxidative stress by regulating NRF2 nuclear accumulation and H3K9/14 acetylation via GPR109A in bovine mammary epithelial cells and mammary glands. Free Radical Biology & Medicine vol. 152 (2020): 728-742. doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.01.016

²Donohoe DR, et al. The microbiome and butyrate regulate energy metabolism and autophagy in the mammalian colon. Cell Metabolism vol. 13,5 (2011): 517-526. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2011.02.018

Article Summary:

• Berberine exerts positive health effects on gut health by beneficially influencing the gut microbiota.
• The antioxidant and immuno-modulating properties of berberine are responsible for its health-promoting effects.
• Unformulated berberine’s poor bioavailability, absorption, and palatability hinder its health benefits.
• Tesseract’s proprietary nutrient delivery nanotechnology enables targeted delivery and optimal absorption of berberine while enhancing its palatability.

The gut microbiota plays a central role in maintaining gastrointestinal health, as well as influencing overall physiology, nutrition, metabolism, and immune function. Disruption to the complex environment of more than 100 trillion microbial cells can lead to various adverse intestinal health conditions. Berberine, a phytochemical compound derived from several plants like Oregon grapefruit and barberry, interacts with the gut microbiota to help maintain its stability and exert beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health.*

Several studies indicate the antioxidant effects of berberine and its metabolites and their role in helping to maintain normal inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal environment.* Berberine’s role in stabilizing the gut microbiota highlights its effects to help counter adverse intestinal health conditions.* Below, we discuss the benefits of berberine for gut health and explain why incorporating an advanced berberine supplement may support optimal gastrointestinal function.*

Berberine for Gut Health: An Overview

Berberine exerts its beneficial effects on health at standard doses, with a low toxicity profile. Although berberine’s exact mechanism of action is not well understood, its potential beneficial role in lipid-lowering and insulin resistance is thought to influence gut microbiota and overall gastrointestinal health.*   

Let’s look at how berberine’s antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties specifically benefit gut health.*

• Berberine as an antioxidant: Berberine¹ interacts with multiple biochemical pathways to enhance the levels of key endogenous antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) to counter oxidative stress, which may contribute to damage within the GI tract.*

• Berberine as an immunomodulant: Berberine plays a role in down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines — the signaling molecules released by activated immune cells during immune responses.* Berberine also helps lower the levels of acute-phase proteins, a type of plasma protein that fluctuates during inflammatory responses.* 

The following table highlights how these berberine properties translate to gut health benefits.  

Berberine for Gut Health: What are the Benefits?
Supporting glycolipid metabolism: Berberine promotes insulin secretion, enhances 2 insulin resistance, and inhibits lipogenesis (synthesizing fatty acids from non-lipid precursors) to address many adverse metabolism-related health conditions.*  Berberine also displays lipid-lowering activities to help maintain normal low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and enhance serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL).*
Protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier: Berberine helps maintain 2 a healthy intestinal microecology and protects the intestinal mucosal barrier to help maintain immune homeostasis in the gut.*
Strengthening endocrine capabilities: Berberine strengthens 2 the endocrine functions of the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy liver microenvironment.* By modulating the gut microbiota, berberine may support hormonal balance and liver detoxification processes.*
Alleviating visceral hypersensitivity: Berberine helps 2 alleviate stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity and intestinal permeability to counter abnormal bowel movements associated with certain adverse health conditions.*
Regulating disturbed gut microbiota: Berberine alters the gut microbiota composition, enhancing the abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)- producing bacteria, which further increases the beneficial content and proportion of butyric acid.*

Although berberine significantly benefits gut health, its rapid metabolism and poor bioavailability and absorption in standard formulations may hinder its benefits. 

The pharmacokinetic properties of berberine lead to its early degradation in the liver, followed by intestinal first-pass elimination in the stool. As a result, unformulated berberine must be ingested in high amounts to experience its desired beneficial effects. Unfortunately, the intensely bitter taste of berberine makes it difficult to take orally, which is an additional challenge to user compliance.

More recent and advanced berberine supplement formulations address the poor palatability, bioavailability, and absorption of unformulated berberine.   

Including An Advanced Berberine Supplement in Your Diet

BerberActiv® is a hypoallergenic berberine supplement developed by Tesseract Medical Research. The formulation is available in quick-release and sustained-release formats to support your gastrointestinal health* and ensure optimal berberine absorption through the revolutionary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology. 

The CyLoc® technology encases individual berberine molecules in its smart delivery system to maintain its integrity during transit through the stomach. The encapsulation also helps mask the bitter taste of berberine. The accompanying DexKey® reactors release the molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract for maximum absorption. 

With Tesseract’s BerberActiv® supplement, you can realize the health-promoting benefits of berberine for your gut’s health.*

Citations: 

¹Li Z, et al. Antioxidant . . . activities of berberine. . . .” Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM vol. 2014 (2014): 289264. doi:10.1155/2014/289264

²Yang F, et al. Berberine influences . . . by modifying gut microbiota. Frontiers in Nutrition vol. 10 1187718. 3 Aug. 2023, doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1187718