Transdermal Delivery Provides Controlled Release of Nutrients

March 24, 2025

Why Transdermal Application is the Future of Controlled Nutrient Delivery

In the ever-evolving world of nutrition and wellness, the way we deliver nutrients to our bodies is just as important as the nutrients themselves. While popping a vitamin pill might seem like the most convenient option, transdermal application is quickly becoming the gold standard for controlled nutrient release. Here's why.

Steady as She Goes: The Beauty of Controlled Release

Transdermal application offers a game-changing advantage over oral supplements: prolonged, controlled release of nutrients. Unlike oral vitamins that typically result in rapid absorption followed by peaks and troughs, transdermal methods provide a steady stream of nutrients over an extended period. This means more consistent nutrient levels in your bloodstream, potentially leading to better overall health outcomes.

Studies comparing transdermal and oral drug administration reveal significant differences in release kinetics, bioavailability, and therapeutic outcomes of transdermal administration versus oral delivery. Here are the key findings.

Drug Release Rate and Pharmacokinetics

Transdermal application provides prolonged, controlled release 3,6, while oral administration typically results in rapid absorption followed by peaks and troughs 1,7.

The graph below shows a comparison of what transdermal release might look like compared to oral absorption in terms of plasma levels of a substance. Keep in mind that each substance being compared may look slightly different – view this as a conceptual comparison.

The dashed line represents the plasma concentration of a substance following oral ingestion using a twice daily regiment, whereas the solid line represents the plasma concentration of a substance following transdermal application using a once daily regiment.

As you can see, in this hypothetical scenario, the oral supplement is well-absorbed, it reaches a peak concentration after a couple of hours and falls steadily over the course of the next several hours until the next dose is taken. Over time, this produces a variable concentration of the substance in the body. With careful and consistent dosing, a therapeutic window can be maintained with some variability.

Transdermal absorption follows a more gradual rise in plasma concentration as the active ingredient slowly makes its way from the layers of the skin into circulation. This results in a controlled release of the substance into the blood, helping to maintain a more consistent concentration.

Clinical Efficacy Comparisons: More Studies

In line with the concept illustrated above, the hypertension drug bisoprolol administered transdermally achieved similar heart rate reduction when compared to oral formulations but with steadier plasma levels and fewer fluctuations 5. Similarly, a study examining a different antihypertensive agent, carvedilol, showed that transdermal administration maintained longer-lasting blood pressure control when compared to oral dosing after 12 hours 7. A study comparing plasma concentrations of yet another antihypertensive agent, atenolol, in cats adhering to an oral administration versus a transdermal administration also arrived at similar conclusions 2.

Bypassing the Digestive System: A Direct Route to Effectiveness

One of the biggest hurdles in oral nutrient administration is the digestive process. When you swallow a vitamin pill, it has to navigate the gauntlet of your digestive system before reaching your bloodstream. This process can significantly reduce the nutrient's bioavailability. Transdermal application, on the other hand, delivers nutrients directly through your skin and into your bloodstream, bypassing this absorption obstacle course entirely. Sometimes, this avoidance of the liver does more than just increase bioavailability.

In the context of hormone replacement therapy, transdermal estrogen showed a 66% lower risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and 109% lower risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) compared to oral estrogen 1. Observational data suggest this is due to avoidance of first-pass metabolism in the liver, reducing liver-mediated thrombogenic effects 1,3.

Less is More: Lower Doses, Better Absorption

Because transdermal application avoids digestive breakdown, it can often achieve the same nutritional effect with a much lower dose. Lower doses generally mean less waste and more efficient nutrient delivery, making transdermal methods a more effective option for many individuals.

Gentler on the System: Reducing Digestive Discomfort

Certain oral supplements are notorious for causing stomach upset or nausea. Transdermal application avoids this side effect by skipping past the digestive tract entirely. This can make it a more comfortable and tolerable option for delivering essential nutrients like iodine, selenium, molybdenum, and vitamin B12, especially for those with sensitive stomachs.

Convenience is Key: Improving Adherence

Let's face it - remembering to take a handful of pills every day can be challenging. With small children, it can pose a choking hazard or be downright impossible. Transdermal application methods, which can often be easily incorporated into daily hygiene routines, offer a convenient alternative that can improve consistency. Less frequent and more steady nutrient delivery can lead to better overall nutritional outcomes.

The Bottom Line

While oral supplements certainly have their place in a complete therapeutic regiment, transdermal application offers a compelling option for controlled nutrient delivery. With benefits like steady nutrient levels, improved bioavailability, more efficient dosing, reduced digestive issues, and enhanced convenience, it's clear why many health-conscious individuals are turning to transdermal methods as a preferred delivery system for certain nutrients. At Spectrum Sciences, our growing transdermal product line includes only those nutrients with a distinct advantage to sustained delivery.

Key Advantages and Limitations

Factor	Transdermal Delivery	Oral Delivery
Release Profile	Sustained, zero-order kinetics 3,6	Rapid absorption, first-order kinetics 1,7 . Affected by pH variations in the gastrointestinal tract and by food interactions, causing variability in the amount absorbed and release rate 4,6.
Bioavailability	Avoids degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and liver processing 1,3,5	Subject to degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and liver processing 1,3
User Adherence	Requires less frequent dosing to maintain therapeutic levels 3	Requires frequent dosing to maintain therapeutic levels 3
Suitability	Limited to small molecules (<500 Daltons) 3,6	Limited to small and medium sized molecules 1,4

As we look to the future of preventative nutrition and disease management, transdermal application is poised to play an increasingly important role. Research into transdermal delivery of nutrients are showing promising results. So the next time you consider how to best nourish your body, remember that sometimes the most effective path isn't through your mouth, but through your skin. The Spectrum Sciences line of products, including our Activated B12 oil, capitalizes on these many benefits.

Click here to learn more about the B12 Protocol and why it might be right for you. Also be sure to check out our educational blog, which explains how to implement this in your daily routine.

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Transdermal Delivery Provides Controlled Release of Nutrients

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