What are some of the most promising nutraceuticals related to aging or overall health that do not survive digestion, either stomach acid or the first pass through the liver after absorption from the small intestine? Would any of these nutraceuticals absorb better if administered as a suppository? The theory would be that drugs that absorb in the rectum do not connect to the liver through the portal vein, and therefore this might represent a unique drug pathway in the body that bypasses stomach acid and also bypasses the initial liver detoxification step.
As just one example, I am thinking of things like catalase, which converts hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water. There is some speculation - but no studies - suggesting that supplemental catalase might delay graying of hair as we age. The problem is catalase probably gets hydrolyzed by stomach acid and does not survive digestion.
Edited by pone11, 24 August 2019 - 01:52 AM.