The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka

252. What Is Bioavailability and Why It Matters for Your Supplements

16 snips
Mar 12, 2026
They break down what bioavailability actually means and why supplement form matters. They compare creatine types and explain differences in absorption. They contrast folic acid with methylfolate and discuss genetic impacts. They review B12 and magnesium forms and call out industry priorities that favor cost over biological effectiveness.
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INSIGHT

What Bioavailability Actually Means

  • Bioavailability is the percentage of a substance that enters the bloodstream and becomes usable by the body.
  • Gary Brecka explains that a 100 mg pill can deliver only 10 mg if 90% isn't absorbed, producing 'expensive urine.'
ANECDOTE

Creatine Bloat Explained

  • Creatine monohydrate is poorly soluble and often leaves gritty residue and intestinal water retention that causes bloating.
  • Gary contrasts this with creatine HCL's far higher solubility and better absorption, reducing creatine bloat in users.
INSIGHT

Why Creatine HCL Absorbs Better

  • Creatine HCL is about 41 times more water-soluble than creatine monohydrate, which improves intestinal permeability and absorption.
  • A cited study found only the creatine HCL group saw body composition improvements, not the monohydrate group.
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