In today's world, health and wellness have become paramount, yet the vast landscape of supplements and nutraceuticals is often riddled with misinformation and confusion. We’ve all seen the explosion of pill bottles, gummy vitamins, and powders claiming to improve our health, but how much do we really know about these products and their effectiveness?
In this enlightening conversation with Dr. Devina Doshi, a medical professional with a Bachelor's in Medicine from MS University and currently pursuing her MD in Internal Medicine at New Jersey University, we dive into the world of supplements and explore a cutting-edge solution: Oral Thin Films (OTFs).
From Conversations to Action: Building a Healthier Community
Our host, Dharma, opens the conversation by sharing his motivation behind creating a more informed and empowered community. After years of hearing bizarre stories from doctors about patient experiences and the overwhelming presence of misinformation in health, Dharma set out to create a space where facts—not fads—rule the conversation.
"Facts over information—that’s the goal!" Dharma says with enthusiasm, setting the stage for today’s discussion on supplements and the emerging solutions that could change the game.
The Supplement Dilemma: Are Pills Really Helping?
Dr. Devina kicks things off by outlining the three primary types of supplement delivery systems: capsules, tablets, and gummies. Each of these systems has its pros and cons, especially when it comes to how they’re absorbed by the body.
“Capsules and tablets are the traditional go-to, but they must pass through the entire digestive system, dealing with varying pH levels in the stomach and intestines,” explains Dr. Devina. “This can reduce the effectiveness of the active ingredients as they battle the digestive environment.”
To break this down further for those not familiar with the terminology, Dharma asks Dr. Devina to explain what "varying pH levels" means. Dr. Devina provides a clear explanation, noting that the digestive system—from the mouth to the intestines—plays a crucial role in how nutrients are absorbed, and the process can result in the reduction of active ingredients before they even enter the bloodstream.
Dr. Devina continues to point out that gummies, though popular, often come with hidden downsides. "Many gummies contain 2-5 grams of sugar per piece, which is counterproductive for those aiming to improve their health," she says.
This is where Oral Thin Films (OTFs) come in as a revolutionary alternative.
The Rise of Oral Thin Films (OTFs)
Oral Thin Films (OTFs) are a relatively new player in the supplement space, but they are quickly gaining attention for their potential benefits. Made from water-soluble polymers, OTFs dissolve quickly in saliva, bypassing the digestive system and allowing for more efficient absorption of nutrients.
“These films dissolve in the mouth, meaning they don’t have to deal with the digestive process and avoid the ‘first-pass metabolism’ that can limit the effectiveness of traditional supplements,” Dr. Devina explains.
For those who struggle with swallowing pills, OTFs offer a convenient and comfortable solution. They also have the added benefit of being easy to carry and consume on the go—no water required!
Dr. Devina emphasizes that OTFs are not just convenient; they are also highly effective. "OTFs can be more bioavailable, meaning your body absorbs a higher concentration of nutrients than it would from a pill or gummy," she says. She also shares that OTFs are already being used for other applications like sublingual vitamin B12, which cannot be effectively absorbed through the digestive tract.
Overcoming Common Challenges: Pill Fatigue and Compliance
The conversation takes a personal turn as Dharma shares his own experience with patients who struggle with sticking to a daily supplement routine. Many patients complain about the difficulty of swallowing pills, as well as the challenge of keeping track of multiple doses every day.
Dr. Devina agrees, noting that pill fatigue is a common issue among patients, particularly when it comes to taking multiple pills each day. "Capsules and tablets can be cumbersome, and sometimes people develop a phobia of choking or simply lose track of their regimen," she shares.
The inconvenience doesn't end there. Powdered supplements and sprays can also be difficult to manage, further complicating adherence to a consistent health routine.
As Dr. Devina explains, the bioavailability of nutrients can also be compromised when relying on traditional delivery systems. “You’re placing a lot of trust in your digestive tract to absorb the nutrients effectively, but that’s not always the case,” she says.
The Solution: A More Convenient, Patient-Centric Approach
The growing trend in nutraceuticals and supplements is a shift toward patient-centric, innovative delivery systems like OTFs. These films offer several key advantages over traditional tablets and gummies:
- Higher bioavailability: OTFs are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and reducing loss of nutrients.
- Convenience: OTFs are easy to carry, simple to consume without water, and ideal for people with difficulty swallowing pills.
- Flexibility: They offer precise dosages and can be tailored to individual needs, without the constraints of large tablets or capsules.
- Ease of use: Particularly beneficial for children, the elderly, and patients with specific health conditions like those who are bedridden or suffer from conditions that make swallowing difficult.
Dr. Devina points out that OTFs are already being used in other industries like confectionery and oral care, and they hold great promise for the future of nutraceuticals. "They’re the perfect delivery system for people who need to take supplements but struggle with traditional options," she says.
Closing Thoughts: A New Era of Health and Wellness
As the conversation wraps up, Dharma thanks Dr. Devina for her insight and expertise. The key takeaway from this discussion is clear: as we continue to explore the world of supplements and health solutions, patient convenience, bioavailability, and ease of use must be at the forefront of innovation. Oral Thin Films (OTFs) are emerging as a game-changing solution, offering a higher-quality, more effective alternative to traditional supplements.
For anyone seeking to take control of their health, it’s time to embrace new, evidence-backed solutions. OTFs may just be the next big thing in the world of supplements, and as Dr. Devina aptly puts it, they offer a chance to build a more informed, empowered, and health-conscious community.
Thank you, Dr. Devina, for shedding light on these innovative options in the world of health and wellness. We look forward to seeing how OTFs revolutionize the way we think about supplements and health!