Polysorbate 80 is often found in products that are described as world-first innovations.
Polysorbate 80 is also known as E433. It is a synthetic emulsifier approved for use as a food additive in Europe. Some dietary supplements also contain a relatively high proportion of Polysorbate 80.
A human study states that liquid micellar turmeric with Polysorbate 80 has 185 times higher bioavailability than conventional Curcuma longa powder. [1]
Bioavailability can also be improved with natural substances. The best-known example is piperine. In humans and animals, it was shown to increase the bioavailability of Curcuma longa powder 20-fold. This corresponds to 2000%. [2]
It is true that artificial micellar turmeric has increased bioavailability. However, dietary supplements containing micellar curcuma often contain higher amounts of Polysorbate 80. One of its properties is that it can easily pass through natural membranes and penetrate cells. However, it is precisely these barrier-crossing properties that also result in significant disadvantages. Some of these are listed here. These include:
This led to lower ATP production. ATP is essential as the body's universal energy molecule.
A genuine alternative is Curcuma extract with natural phosphatidylcholine from phospholipids, or the combination of turmeric with the bioavailability enhancer piperine from black pepper.
These natural bioavailability enhancers have the advantage of respecting the boundaries set by nature.
Incidentally, in addition to Polysorbate 80, other synthetically produced emulsifiers and stabilizers are also found in liquid dietary supplements. It is advisable to obtain detailed information about the individual substances before taking such a product.
[1] The oral bioavailability of curcumin from micronized powder and liquid micelles is significantly increased in healthy humans and differs between sexes.
[2] Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers.
[3] Food emulsifier polysorbate 80 increases intestinal absorption of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in rats.
[4] Delayed effects of neonatal exposure to Tween 80 on female reproductive organs in rats.
[5a] Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome.
[5b] Food Additive P-80 Impacts Mouse Gut Microbiota Promoting Intestinal Inflammation, Obesity and Liver Dysfunction.
Polysorbate 80 is also known as E433. It is a synthetic emulsifier approved for use as a food additive in Europe. Some dietary supplements also contain a relatively high proportion of Polysorbate 80.
A human study states that liquid micellar turmeric with Polysorbate 80 has 185 times higher bioavailability than conventional Curcuma longa powder. [1]
Bioavailability can also be improved with natural substances. The best-known example is piperine. In humans and animals, it was shown to increase the bioavailability of Curcuma longa powder 20-fold. This corresponds to 2000%. [2]
It is true that artificial micellar turmeric has increased bioavailability. However, dietary supplements containing micellar curcuma often contain higher amounts of Polysorbate 80. One of its properties is that it can easily pass through natural membranes and penetrate cells. However, it is precisely these barrier-crossing properties that also result in significant disadvantages. Some of these are listed here. These include:
1. Inhibition of cellular respiration
In an animal study, Polysorbate 80 caused a reduction in the electrical membrane potential in the mitochondria (the cell's energy powerhouses). As a result, cellular respiration and ATP synthesis were affected.This led to lower ATP production. ATP is essential as the body's universal energy molecule.
2. Increased bioavailability of environmental toxins
The same study also showed that Polysorbate 80 increases the bioavailability of the environmental toxin phthalate. Phthalates are classified as plasticizers. [3]3. Effects on reproductive organs
In another study in rats, the reproductive organs of the test animals were affected following the administration of Polysorbate 80. [4]4. Disruption of the gut microbiota, obesity, metabolic syndrome and liver damage
Polysorbate 80 caused disruption of the microbial gut flora in mice. This disruption has been associated with various chronic inflammatory diseases, obesity and metabolic syndrome. [5a] Another study in mice also showed liver damage in the animals. [5b]Conclusion:
There is no need to use chemicals to make a fat-soluble dietary supplement such as turmeric water-soluble and thereby increase its bioavailability.A genuine alternative is Curcuma extract with natural phosphatidylcholine from phospholipids, or the combination of turmeric with the bioavailability enhancer piperine from black pepper.
These natural bioavailability enhancers have the advantage of respecting the boundaries set by nature.
Incidentally, in addition to Polysorbate 80, other synthetically produced emulsifiers and stabilizers are also found in liquid dietary supplements. It is advisable to obtain detailed information about the individual substances before taking such a product.
[1] The oral bioavailability of curcumin from micronized powder and liquid micelles is significantly increased in healthy humans and differs between sexes.
[2] Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers.
[3] Food emulsifier polysorbate 80 increases intestinal absorption of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in rats.
[4] Delayed effects of neonatal exposure to Tween 80 on female reproductive organs in rats.
[5a] Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome.
[5b] Food Additive P-80 Impacts Mouse Gut Microbiota Promoting Intestinal Inflammation, Obesity and Liver Dysfunction.