Determination and Evaluation of Bioavailability of Vitamins from Different Multivitamin Supplements Using a Pig Model

Pan Yang,Nan Zhang,Yongxi Ma,Longxian Li,Huakai Wang

doi:10.3390/agriculture11050418

Abstract

This study was performed to evaluate the plasma vitamin kinetic behavior following oral vitamin supplement administration in pigs, and to determine the bioavailability of vitamins. A total of 36 pigs (fitted with jugular catheters) with an average body weight of 25 ± 2.24 kg were divided into three treatment groups: (1) placebo, (2) non-microencapsulated multivitamins supplement, or (3) lipid matrix microencapsulated multivitamins supplement. The blood samples were obtained starting pre-meal until 72 h post-meal for plasma vitamin analysis. Pharmacokinetic parameters were modeled with a non-compartmental method. The AUC (Area under the curve) from the time of dosing to the time of the last observation, Cmax (Maximum observed concentration), and MRT (Mean residence time) of α-tocopherol from oral non-microencapsulated supplement were significantly lower than oral microencapsulated supplement (p < 0.01). The average relative bioavailability of vitamin A (VA) and vitamin E (VE) from microencapsulated supplement was greater than that from non-microencapsulated supplement, but relative bioavailability of vitamin K3 (VK3) and water-soluble vitamins from microencapsulated supplement was lower than non-microencapsulated supplement. The AUC and Cmax of menadione, thiamine, and riboflavin from microencapsulated supplement were significantly lower than these parameters from oral non-microencapsulated supplement. Lipid matrix microencapsulation was able to delay absorption and improved the bioavailability of VE, whereas there were limited effects of microencapsulation on vitamin D (VD), VK3, and water-soluble vitamins.

Highlights

With the development of the vitamin industry, multivitamin supplements are widely used
Pharmacokinetic parameters from treatment groups were analyzed as a t-test
Pharmacokinetic parameters are assessed by monitoring variations in the concentration of a nutrient or its metabolites in physiological fluids, which reflects the duration of action of the nutrients in the host [17]

Summary

Introduction

With the development of the vitamin industry, multivitamin supplements are widely used. Vitamins are highly biologically active organic substances; they are a special type of nutrients necessary for the normal life and growth of animals [1]. The metabolism of vitamins is of great importance for growth, health, development, reproduction, and immunity [2]. Vitamin A is usually crucial for normal vision, protection of the epithelium, resistance against infection, improving ovulation, and implantation of the embryo [3]. The biofunction of vitamin D is the efficient absorption and homeostasis of calcium and phosphorus and is required for normal mineralization of bones [4]. Vitamin E has antioxidant function as a peroxyl radical scavenger, and vitamin K, referred to as the coagulation vitamin, is indispensable for maintaining the function of the blood coagulation system [1,5]

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Discussion

Conclusion