CONTENTS:
CBD oil before or after eating?
There are many factors influencing how the body assimilates CBD. A key element in this regard is the last meal immediately preceding the CBD oil dose. This is directly related to the bioavailability commonly referred to as absorption of the cannabinoids.
So the answer to the question "CBD oil before or after eating?" is obvious.
CBD oil is best consumed after eating, and even better if that meal is high in fat. It is recommended to take CBD approximately 30 minutes after a meal.
Why is this so? The key is to understand a simple mechanism, a few concepts and a glance at the scientific results.
Bioavailability of CBD
Bioavailability is the term used to describe the amount of a substance that enters the bloodstream after administration, e.g. orally. In the case of CBD oil, bioavailability is relatively low. Studies have shown that on an empty stomach, only 3-10% of CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream. As it turns out, eating a fatty meal before taking CBD can increase bioavailability by up to 5 times.
Find out more about the bioavailability of cannabinoids / cannabidiol here: Absorption of CBD
CBD oil on an empty stomach
Some studies indicate that CBD has lower bioavailability on an empty stomach. This means that less CBD enters the blood, which can affect the effectiveness of supplementation. For this reason, many experts recommend taking CBD oil with a meal, or even better about 30 minutes after eating.
Fats and the bioavailability of CBD
CBD is a fat-soluble cannabinoid. This means that its absorption can be increased in the presence of fats. Studies have shown that fatty meals can increase the bioavailability of CBD by up to five times. Therefore, those who choose to supplement with CBD oil may want to consider consuming it after a fatty meal to increase effectiveness.
University of Minnesota study
In accordance with a study by pharmacologists at the University of Minnesota, people consuming CBD hemp oil in the morning on an empty stomach had lower CBD bioavailability. However, if they took CBD after a fatty meal, their CBD bioavailability increased by almost 5 times.
Cannabinoids including cannabidiol that reach the full gut stay there longer and therefore the absorption time will be prolonged. More CBD will be utilised by the body. How much more cannabidiol will you use this way? The aforementioned study shows that the amount of CBD in the plasma increased by up to several times.
GW Research experiment
GW Research scientists organised an experiment in which participants took CBD oil after different types of meals. The results were consistent with previous studies - fatty breakfasts significantly increased CBD absorption.
How to dose CBD?
CBD dosage is individual for each person. It is important to know the exact amount of CBD in a particular product. It is advisable to start with a dose of 5 mg, gradually increasing it until the optimal effect is achieved. For many people, the effective dose is in the range of 15-30 mg per day.
You can read more about this in an article discussing the issue in detail and good practice in the use of CBD.
In conclusion
When it comes to taking CBD oil, the most important thing is to tailor the dose to the individual body's needs and to take into account meal intake. According to research, eating a fatty meal before taking CBD can significantly increase its bioavailability. So if you're wondering whether to use CBD oil before or after eating, the answer is simple: CBD oil is best used after eating. However, it is worth remembering not to exceed the recommended dose and to consult your doctor if you have any doubts.
