Effects of food matrix and probiotics on the bioavailability of curcumin in different nanoformulations

BACKGROUND: Nanoparticles can improve the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. Concomitant intake of food can affect pharmacokinetic profiles by altering dissolution, absorption, metabolism, and elimination behavior. Studies on the effects of food and its supplements on the bioavailability of bioactives in nanoformulations are few. In this study, the effects of typical food (milk, sugar, high-fat diet, and regular kibble) and a widely consumed probiotic [Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 (R) (Bb-12)] on the bioavailability of curcumin in four formulations [simply suspended curcumin (Cur-SS) and curcumin in nanoemulsions (Cur-NEs), in single-walled carbon nanotubes (Cur-SWNTs), and in nanostructured lipid carriers (Cur-NLCs)] were investigated. RESULTS: Fasting treatment and sugar co-ingestion can significantly enhance the bioavailability of curcumin in Cur-NEs and Cur-SWNTs, respectively. Compared with the fasting treatment, co-ingestion with regular kibble reduced the absorption of curcumin in Cur-NEs and Cur-SWNTs. Ingesting milk along with Cur-NE is also not recommended. The mechanisms behind these phenomena were briefly discussed. This study revealed for the first time that the intestinal colonization of Bb-12 reduces the bioavailability of curcumin and this reduction can be attenuated by nanoformulations SWNTs and NLCs, but not NEs. The reason for this difference was the protective effects of the former two nanoformulations against curcumin degradation by Bb-12 according to in vitro experiments. CONCLUSION: Dietary status (including supplementary probiotics) can dramatically influence the bioavailability of curcumin in nanoformulations. (c) 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Automated summary

This study demonstrated that fasting treatment and co-ingestion with sugar can enhance the bioavailability of curcumin in Cur-NEs and Cur-SWNTs, respectively. Ingesting regular kibble along with curcumin can reduce absorption, and milk co-ingestion with Cur-NE is not recommended. The presence of Bb-12 in the gut can reduce curcumin bioavailability, which can be attenuated by SWNTs and NLCs nanoformulations but not NEs. The protective effects of SWNTs and NLCs against curcumin degradation by Bb-12 were identified as the reason for this difference.