Pharmacokinetic Characterization of Nano-emulsion Vitamin A, D and E (LaVita) in Rats

BACKGROUND: Bioavailability enhancement by solubilization of lipophilic drugs in nano-emulsion has been reported and it may be useful in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. This study was performed to compare in vivo bioavailability of nano-emulsion formulation with that of the general product as control. METHODS AND RESULTS: The pharmacokinetics assessment of Vitamin A, D and E complex of nanoemulsion formulation (LaVita), in comparison to the general product, was performed in the male rat plasma by a single oral dose at 20 mL/kg body weight (n=3/group). For nano-emulsion formulation (LaVita), $C_{max}$ of vitamin A and E in plasma were much higher and the area under the curve (AUC) of vitamin A, D and E were 14-63% higher, and the half-life of vitamin E was 2-fold longer than the general product. According to statistical analysis, each $C_{max}$ of vitamin A, D & E was significantly higher (p<0.01, 0.05 and 0.01, respectively) than that of general product. Half-life of vitamin A was significantly higher (p<0.01) and AUC of vitamin A and D were also significantly higher than the general product. CONCLUSION(s): Considering significant increment of $C_{max}$ and AUC, LaVita made of nano-emulsion could be more effective the absorption rate and extent for bioavailability of vitamin A, D & E than those of general product.