Bioperine

What is bioperine?

Bioperine is a patented form of piperine, an alkaloid extracted from black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long pepper (Piper longum). Piperine is responsible for the sharp taste of these peppers and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Bioperine was developed to enhance the bioavailability of various nutrients and supplements, making it a popular addition in the nutraceutical industry.

Functioning of bioperine

The main function of bioperine is to increase the bioavailability of nutrients. This means that bioperine helps to improve the absorption of nutrients in the body. It works by influencing the activity of enzymes in the intestine and by increasing the permeability of the intestinal wall, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more efficiently. Bioperine can enhance the absorption of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, leading to improved effectiveness of these substances.

What does bioperine do to your body?

• Increased absorption of nutrients: Bioperine can improve the absorption of various nutrients, including vitamin C, selenium, beta-carotene en curcumin. This can lead to an increased effectiveness of these substances in the body.
• Antioxidant properties: Piperine, the active ingredient in bioperine, has antioxidant properties. This means it can help neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
• Metabolism and thermogenesis: Bioperine can also stimulate metabolism and increase thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is the process by which the body produces heat by burning calories. This can contribute to weight management and energy production.

Bioperine side effects

Although bioperine is generally considered safe, some people may experience side effects, especially at high doses. Possible side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal complaints: Some people may experience stomach complaints, nausea, or diarrhea.
• Interaction with medications: Bioperine can affect the absorption of certain medications, which may lead to increased concentrations of these medications in the blood. This can cause side effects or toxic effects.
• Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may be allergic to piperine or bioperine, which can lead to symptoms such as rash, itching, or breathing difficulties.

Bioperine supplements

Bioperine is often added to various supplements to enhance their effectiveness. Some common supplements that contain bioperine are:

• Turmeric supplements: Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, naturally has low bioavailability. Adding bioperine to curcumin supplements can significantly increase the absorption and effectiveness of curcumin.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements: Supplement with vitamins such as vitamin C or minerals such as selenium can benefit from the addition of bioperine to improve absorption.
• Herbs and plant extracts: Many herbal and plant extracts, such as green tea extract and ginkgo biloba, contain bioperine to increase their bioavailability and optimize their health benefits.