Supplements: It’s not always about what you take, but what your body absorbs. No matter the potency of a product, it can all go to waste if your body is unable to absorb the nutrients. No one wants to order a perfectly portioned and delicious meal to only be allowed to eat a fraction of it, but sometimes we’re only getting a fraction of the supplements we’re taking. 

We all know that oil and water don’t mix, but water makes up more than half of our bodies. So, when we try to orally consume oil-based CBD products, they aren’t working their way into our systems as well as they could.For years, water-soluble vitamins have been a hot topic for better and faster absorption, and now CBD has been formulated into a water-soluble product for those very reasons. Here’s everything you need to know about this fast-acting and superior absorption CBD product. 

 

Why Water-Soluble is the Most Effective CBD Product

A key term in the supplements world is “bioavailability.” This term is defined as the amount of a substance that enters the bloodstream when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect. Stripped of the scientific jargon, it’sthe number of nutrients and components in the product that areactually absorbed. In regards to CBD, if a CBD product has high bioavailability this means that it contains CBD that is processed in a way that it can be absorbed at a higher rate.

We lose the bioavailability of vitamins and supplements (CBD included) through something called the  first-pass metabolism effect. The first-pass metabolism effect is when supplements are metabolized at a specific location in the body that results in a reduced concentration of the product once it does reach its site of action or the systemic circulation. 

When swallowing an oil-based CBD product, most of the CBD is destroyed when passing through the body and into the liver. This happens before reaching general circulation,leaving a fraction left to reach the bloodstream. 

One of the ruling ways to overcome the first-pass effect is to convert the naturally oil-soluble CBD extract into a water-soluble form. This makes sense because the average adult is anywhere from 50–65% water. So, water-soluble CBD is absorbed into your stomach and lymphatic system easier and at a higher concentration than the oil-based products.

This leads to another question: How do you convert an oil-based substance into something water-soluble? 

 

How is Water-Soluble CBD Made?

CBD is hydrophobic, meaning that it does not dissolve in water on its own. It is also lipophilic, meaning that it dissolves in fat. These oil-based CBD particles need to be digested over time to shrink down to an absorbable size, this is why CBD is often recommended to be taken with food for better results. This ultimately results in the CBD losing its effectiveness over time as it is metabolized. 

Although CBD is a naturally oil-soluble substance, it can be converted into a water-soluble one by a process called nano emulsification. CBD  nanoemulsion involves the use of an emulsifier, this forces two typically incompatible substances (like oil and water) to mix with ease. 

Nano emulsification causes CBD particles to explode into even smaller ones without losing their value. 

 

 

After reducing the size of CBD molecules, those CBD nanoparticles are then placed into a fatty emulsifier—where it dissolves in fat—so that, upon consumption, it reaches the bloodstream very quickly. This is what makes it possible for CBD and the water in the bloodstream to mix. 

Not only are more of these nano-sized CBD particles reaching the bloodstream at a higher rate, but they’re getting there faster because they don’t need to latch onto fat and slowly digest over time. These nano-sized CBD particles are absorbed at a higher rateand rapidly, at a 5x-10x absorption rate potency. This superior absorption and fast action make it easier to take your daily CBD dosage with water, coffee, or any other beverage that can be sipped on while bustling through the day.

 

What to Look for (and what to avoid) in Water-Soluble Products

Additional ingredients and processing are necessary to achieve this nanoparticle sizing, so it’s important to know what to look for when considering Water-Soluble CBD.  Organic hemp-derived CBD is vastly different from conventional CBD that is available nearly everywhere nowadays (including gas stations- stay away!). To ensure that your product experience is optimally safe, always look for clean, natural ingredients, and 3rd party testing certification. 

Oil Benefits,Why it’s Still a Valuable Product

The first-pass metabolism only affects the bioavailability of CBD when consumed orally, and while orally consuming oil-based products might have downsides for absorbing CBD, there are other more effective consumption methods for CBD oils and oil-based products. 

Dropping some tincture under the tongue and allowing it to absorb through your salivary glands is less affected by the first-pass metabolism as well. We know supplement regimes are sacred to each individual and it’s hard to make a change from something you already love, but there are ways to ensure you’re getting optimal use out of your supplement favorites (woohoo!). 

Rubbing CBD balms and creams into your skin—applying oil-based products topically allows the absorption of CBD through the skin, thus delivering the substance directly into your system. This method doesn’t inhibit first-pass concentration reduction at all. 

The Bottom Line

The benefit of taking water-soluble is that there are no guessing games, you’re sure to reap the benefits to its full potential. And it’s a savvy vantage for your supplement budget, being able to take lesser dosages for more. 

There’s no denying that water-soluble CBD is more easily absorbed by the body and dramatically impacts the overall CBD experience and benefit, but choosing between Water-Soluble and Oil-Based CBD is about each individual’s choice and preference. Each product has its respectable benefits and key attributes to a supplement regime, but if you’re looking to get more out of your CBD intake, introducing water-soluble into your everyday life could enhance your overall CBD experience and save you money.

Which water-soluble CBD is best? Click  here.