“Should I take CBD with food?” Baked Goods answers

Have you heard about CBD’s bioavailability rate? This refers to how much CBD is absorbed in the bloodstream for you to feel effects. Baked Goods explains this further, along with whether or not you need to take CBD oil with food.

Understanding CBD Absorption

Though CBD impacts the endocannabinoid system, its beneficial effects depend on its absorption in the body. Many people are surprised to learn that CBD (cannabidiol) has a low bioavailability rate because it binds to fatty proteins. (Keep in mind, up to two-thirds of the average human body is made of water!) And when CBD is consumed as an edible, its bioavailability is lowered further due to first-pass metabolism. This means that CBD gets broken down by the digestive system before entering the bloodstream, and you can lose a chunk of the dosage you consumed!

Hence, taking CBD oil can increase your absorption rate, which can potentially support pain relief, calmness, etc. And when oil is administered under the tongue (mucous membranes), it bypasses the digestive process and quickly enters the bloodstream.

Should you eat food with CBD?

If you prefer edibles over sublingual oils, you should know that bioavailability may increase when CBD is eaten with fatty ingredients. In a study on patients with epilepsy, CBD capsules were given under two scenarios: after fasting and after eating a fat-based breakfast. “The study showed that … taking CBD with the fatty breakfast increased the concentration of CBD in the body four-fold and increased the maximum blood concentration of CBD by 14 times,” confirms News-Medical.net. So next time you take a CBD oil, capsule or edible, eat a fatty treat with it – think peanut butter, cheese, avocado, or yogurt!

Key Takeaways

• CBD has low bioavailability because it binds to fatty proteins. It also undergoes first-pass metabolism, meaning digestive enzymes break down CBD before it reaches the bloodstream.
• However, CBD is still effective for its therapeutic properties! A sublingual oil may be chosen to increase and ensure absorption.
• If you prefer edibles, consuming CBD with fatty food (i.e. cheese) can help maximize CBD absorption.

Taking cannabidiol at home is surprisingly easy! Do you have any questions about our products? Or would you like to learn about other cannabinoids? Please refer to our Baked Goods FAQ section.

NOTE: This article is not an alternative to formal medical advice and should not be relied on for diagnosing or treating your health condition or concerns. This post is published solely for the purpose of education. Please see your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your wellness or visit a nearby hospital if you require emergency help. 

Sources

https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/water-balance/about-body-water

https://www.news-medical.net/health/Does-Diet-Affect-CBD-Absorption.aspx

Perucca, E., Bialer, M. Critical Aspects Affecting Cannabidiol Oral Bioavailability and Metabolic Elimination, and Related Clinical Implications. CNS Drugs 34, 795–800 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-020-00741-5