Many important nutraceuticals are fat-soluble compounds that are difficult to dissolve in water. Furthermore, many are poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, making only a small proportion bioavailable. To get functional levels of a compound with low bioavailability typically requires high dosage. This can negatively impact taste and even aroma; the requirement of higher dosage of a poor-tasting compound can drastically reduce the desirability of the product.
Herbamed has developed proprietary technology to address the issues of dispensability and bioavailability. Ultrasome™ is an advanced drug-delivery system that creates an emulsion of extremely small liposome-like particles with an oil-soluble core. These “ultrasomes” encapsulate normally water-insoluble nutraceuticals. Ultrasome technology provides better dissolution rates and greater bioavailability for drugs and nutraceuticals and allows ingredient availability in powder and liquid forms.
Herbamed utilized the Ultrasome™ microencapsulation system in its development of delicious meal-replacement/supplement bars fortified with omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants (green tea extracts, resveratrol from grapes/wine, pomegranate polyphenols) and other ingredients with proven health benefits for the brain and heart. These bars are based on Herbamed’s unique citrus peel fiber ingredients, naturally rich in plant anti-oxidants, and polyphenols/flavonoids proven in clinical trials to have a beneficial effect on blood lipid profiles.
An application of this technology is Ultrasome™ CoQ10, shown in human clinical studies to have up to nine times the bioavailability of standard formulations. A naturally occurring, fat-soluble quinone localized in the hydrophobic portions of cellular membranes, Coenzyme Q10 participates in mitochondrial electron transport to produce energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and acts as a powerful antioxidant to protect against oxidative stress. It also regenerates the active form of the antioxidants ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopherol (vitamin E). Dietary CoQ10 is generally poorly absorbed.