CBD Bioavailability

Bioavailability is a crucial factor that influences the effects that CBD produces on the users. It is not reasonable to expect that all of the cannabidiol content in a CBD product will reach the bloodstream of the user. Bioavailability of a CBD intake method refers to the percentage of CBD that is absorbed into the blood of the user.

In this article, we discuss the factors that influence the bioavailability of a CBD intake method.

Health Conditions

The overall health of the user can influence CBD absorption in the body. The degree of impairment of liver function has a major influence on the effectiveness of CBD and the duration for which it will stay in the body of the users. A study conducted to determine the effects of liver function in CBD absorption involved participants with impaired liver function and participants without any liver impairment. Both groups were given 200 mg CBD each. The study found that blood CBD levels and clearance times were greater in individuals with liver impairment when compared to individuals without liver impairment.

 Health conditions like Huntington’s disease can affect the CBD bioavailability. A study involving individuals with Huntington’s disease and healthy participants found that people with Huntington’s disease showed lower CBD absorption levels than healthy individuals.

Empty Vs Full Stomach

When you compare CBD absorption levels when your stomach is full, with the absorption levels when your stomach is empty, you will find that the absorption is about 3 to 5 times better when you take CBD with food than in an empty stomach.

Because CBD is fat soluble, adding high-fat foods in your diet will improve CBD absorption while you take ingestible CBD. The CBD stays longer in your system in the fed state than in a fasted state (between meals).

Heat Processing

Heat processing is an essential step required to convert cannabinoids in hemp to their active forms. However, the efficiency of the absorption of cannabinoids is lesser than in the non-treated forms. A study found that the peak CBD levels were four times higher in unheated extracts than heated ones.

Dosage

 Dosage has a direct relationship with CBD absorption. Doubling or tripling the CBD dosage will have corresponding effects in the absorption levels of CBD. However, once you reach particular levels that generate a ceiling effect, increasing the dosage will not cause a respective increase in CBD absorption rates.

To get the desired benefits out of CBD, make a clear idea about bioavailability and the factors that contribute to it.