Aloe Vera Enhances Bioavailability

 IRVING, Texas—Aloe vera gel and whole leaf aloe appear to enhance the absorbance and effects of other nutritional ingredients, according to a study from the University of California-Davis, presented at the Experimental Biology Convention. Results from the randomized crossover trial showed the gel had the strongest results in promoting the absorbance of vitamins C and B12; it only took 1 oz. of aloe to have substantial effects in enhancing the absorption of a 500 mg dose of vitamin C and 1 mg dose of B12. Aloe vera also promoted a significant increase in the antioxidant potential of the plasma, with ORAC ratings particularly high after four hours and remaining high even after 24 hours. Sridevi Devaraj, Ph.D., associate professor at the UC Davis Laboratory for Atherosclerosis and Metabolic Research, said: “It’s clear that consuming Aloe vera along with vitamin supplements would be beneficial, especially among populations for whom B12 deficiency is an issue, such as the elderly.” The study was supported by the International Aloe Science Council (www.IASC.org) and the Aloe Institute (www.TheAloeInstitute.org).