Vitamins taken by mouth require cofactors for them to be properly absorbed from the gut. In addition, some of the vitamins require a healthy balance of bacteria in the colon and the intestine to facilitate best absorption.
Finally, when things are taken by mouth, they first pass through the liver before being processed to other cells in the body. All these steps can represent barriers to the micronutrients getting to the targeted cells.
The use of prescription drugs and antibiotics can further compromise oral absorption. Many drugs interfere with the digestive process, making it harder for the body to break down and absorb micronutrients.
It has been estimated that a significant percentage of people in Western countries have developed chronic malabsorption syndromes because of the highly processed , foods. Bloating, heart burn or irregular bowel movements anyone?
Ironically, the malabsorption of micronutrients makes it more difficult for the stomach and the intestines to heal themselves.
Since the cells that line the gastrointestinal tract turn over at a very rapid rate, people can get stuck in a cycle of malabsorption and micronutrient deficiency, which leads to the production of unhealthy cells that then perpetuates the malabsorption.
These cycles can last years, even decades. Over time, they can become a trigger for other medical disorders…