What is Bioavailability?
Bioavailability is a topic worth exploring. It refers to the portion of the CBD that gets into the bloodstream. There are several ways of taking CBD. Some have a higher bioavailability percentage than others.
Sublingual
One of the most popular ways of taking CBD is using a dropper to drop CBD oil under the tongue. This method of dispension is termed Sublingual. This method has many advantages:
- Precise measurement of dose- One can measure serving size drop by drop.
- High bioavailability- 20%-30%
- Fast acting- due to administering the product under the tongue, the CBD gets absorbed through the mucous membrane and then onto the bloodstream.
Oral
The Oral category is reserved for eating CBD products like chocolate bars, gummies as well as capsules and gelcaps. It is a discreet and convenient way to get your CBD. The downside is low bioavailability hovering around 5%. You may have to take a higher serving size to get the same effects of a lower strength as one of the other methods.
Advantages:
- Effects last quite long, up to 8 hours.
- Convenient and discreet.
- Who doesn’t like chocolate?
Topical
Topical CBD treatments include preparations that are designed to be applied directly to the skin. These would include creams, balms, lotions and salves. They are intended to ease aliments that are painful in nature and are not recommended for neurological conditions such as anxiety or insomnia.
Transdermal
Not to be confused with Topicals ,the Transdermal method of applying CBD allows the CBD to absorb through the skin and into the bloodstream. This method has the potential for not only easing physical aliments but mental and neurological conditions as well. The most common Transdermals are patches, however there are creams and lotions. With a bioavailability of 70% minimum, this method deserves consideration for some of the more challenging health goals you may be targeting.
Summary of Bioavailability by CBD Delivery Method
To summarize, here are all of the methods discussed and their respective bioavailabilites:
- Sublingual: 20-30%
- Oral: Approximately 5%
- Topical: Does Not Apply
- Transdermal: Approximately 70+%