Vitamin and mineral absorption is the body's process of extracting nutrients from the digestive tract and delivering them into the bloodstream. Not every nutrient that is ingested is absorbed, and the fraction that is absorbed—often described as the nutrient’s bioavailability—depends on multiple scientific factors. The chemical form of a nutrient, its solubility, and the function of intestinal transporters all influence how efficiently vitamin and mineral absorption occurs. Absorption takes place primarily in the small intestine through carrier-mediated transport, diffusion, and other uptake mechanisms. The efficiency of vitamin and mineral absorption is shaped by gut conditions such as mucosal integrity, pH, and transit time, as well as interactions with other nutrients that can alter transport dynamics or solubility. Minerals may interact antagonistically or synergistically depending on context, while vitamins show diverse absorption pathways based on whether they are water- or fat-soluble and on the presence of related physiological factors. Science explores vitamin and mineral absorption using a range of methods, from in vitro models that simulate intestinal uptake to human pharmacokinetic studies that measure how much of a nutrient appears in systemic circulation. The concept of bioavailability encompasses not only absorption but also subsequent metabolic processing and utilization, illustrating that absorption is one stage in the broader fate of a nutrient within the body. Understanding vitamin and mineral absorption requires recognizing interindividual variation, methodological differences across studies, and the evolving nature of scientific evidence. This content provides evidence-based explanations of absorption mechanisms and the factors that influence nutrient availability, without making prescriptive health or dietary claims. For personalized considerations, consulting a qualified professional can offer guidance tailored to individual contexts.
