bioavailability

American  

[bahy-oh-uh-vey-luh-bil-i-tee] / ˌbaɪ oʊ əˌveɪ ləˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. the extent to which a nutrient or medication can be used by the body.

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bioavailability British  

/ ˌbaɪəʊəˌveɪləˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. Also called: systemic availability.  the extent to which a drug or other substance is taken up by a specific tissue or organ after administration; the proportion of the dose of a drug that reaches the systemic circulation intact after administration by a route other than intravenous

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Other Word Forms

• bioavailable adjective

Etymology

Origin of bioavailability

First recorded in 1965–70; bio- + available ( def. )

Example Sentences

"By contrast, small-molecule drugs that are designed to cross the blood-brain barrier are hydrophobic in nature, which limits their bioavailability, increases the risk of off-target binding, and is linked to side effects."

From Science Daily

Of the many carotenoids found in nature, beta-carotene is the star player: a strong orange tint and high "bioavailability" — the term used to describe drug absorption — make it particularly influential.

From Salon

Now that safety and tolerability have been established in healthy adults, the authors said they will be conducting future studies to evaluate the bioavailability and clinical effectiveness of intranasal bumetanide in patients with heart failure.

From Science Daily

Tyrosine has limited bioavailability in living organisms.

From Science Daily

Milk proteins could also potentially affect the absorption, or bioavailability, of caffeine by the human body.

From Science Daily