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Micronutrient Bioavailability

Meaning

Micronutrient bioavailability is the degree and rate at which an ingested micronutrient, such as a vitamin or mineral, becomes available at its specific site of physiological action within the body. This critical metric is not merely a measure of intake but reflects the efficiency of the entire process, including digestion, release from the food matrix, absorption across the intestinal barrier, and transport to target cells. Low bioavailability, often due to genetic polymorphisms or compromised gut health, can result in functional deficiencies despite seemingly adequate dietary intake. Maximizing bioavailability is a key objective in precision nutrition protocols.