Our Absorption Science

Intra-oral delivery of vitamin D3

University: Cardiff University

Key Findings:
This study showed that BetterYou Vitamin D Oral Spray delivers vitamin D3 effectively through the tissues of the inside of the cheek, bypassing the digestive system. It can be argued the spray provides a rapid, steady and reliable absorption, ensuring a more constant supply of vitamin D3.

Citation: ‘Analysis of the oral delivery of vitamin D3 from BetterYou DLux spray formulations.’ Hassanali Z, Houston DM, Heard CM. Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University; 2012.

Intra-oral delivery of vitamin B12

University: Cardiff University

Key Findings:
BetterYou B12 Boost Oral Spray delivers vitamin B12 effectively through the tissues of the mouth. Laboratory testing supports the spray as a reliable way to help the body reach recommended vitamin B12 levels quickly.

Citation: 'In vitro analysis of sublingual vitamin B12 permeation', D. M. Houston and C.M. Heard, Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University. 2013

Intra-oral delivery of turmeric

University: Cardiff University

Key Findings:
BetterYou's Turmeric oral spray formulation passes through the tissues of the mouth more effectively than a standard water-based turmeric supplement. By encapsulating the active curcuminoids, the formulation was better able to cross the membrane in laboratory testing, supporting oral spray as a superior delivery method for effective absorption of curcuminoids.

Citation: ‘Analysis of the oral delivery of curcumin from a spray formulation.’ Dr D M J Houston C Dr C Heard, Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University. 2017

Intra-oral delivery of iron

University: Cardiff University

Key Findings:
BetterYou Iron Oral Spray is absorbed effectively through the tissues of the buccal
mucosa (inside the mouth), with a minimum of 67% shown to pass through in laboratory testing, a result the researchers described as “surprisingly high”. The “superior absorption rate to tablets is clear” and the level of absorption was calculated as equivalent to taking an iron tablet of potentially a 7 times higher dose.

Citation: ‘In vitro evaluation of buccal delivery of iron from spray product.’ Dr C Heard, Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, 2019.

Vitamin D3 supplementation in Gaelic footballers

University: University of Ulster

Key Findings:
This clinical study followed Gaelic footballers taking BetterYou Vitamin D Oral Spray over the course of a season. Those taking the spray saw a significant increase in their total 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations compared with the placebo group, supporting oral spray as an effective way for active people to maintain healthy vitamin D status.

Citation: ‘Vitamin D3 supplementation using an oral spray solution resolves deficiency but has no effect on VO2 max in Gaelic footballers: results from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial’. Todd JJ, McSorley EM, Pourshahidi LK, Madigan SM, Laird E, Healy M, Magee PJ. Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster. 2016. DOI 10.1007/s00394-016-1202-4

Vitamin D and quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome

Institution: British Medical Journal (study run at University of Sheffield)

Key Findings:
People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with lower levels of Vitamin D reported a greater impact of IBS on their quality of life. Supplementing with BetterYou Vitamin D Oral Spray significantly improved vitamin D levels compared with placebo, highlighting a simple way to help support wellbeing alongside IBS management.

Citation: ‘Vitamin D associates with improved quality of life in participants with irritable bowel syndrome: outcomes from a pilot trial’ Tazzyman S, Richards N, Trueman AR, et al. 2015. BMJ Open Gastro 2015;2:e000052. doi:10.1136/bmjgast-2015-000052

Vitamin D3 supplementation and weight management

Institution: Euroclinic Hospital, Athens

Key Findings:
This study followed 125 overweight and obese adults on a calorie-controlled diet, comparing those who took Vitamin D3 3000 Oral Spray with those who didn't. The Oral Spray group saw greater improvements in vitamin D status, along with bigger reductions in body weight, BMI and body fat, than diet alone achieved.

Citation: ‘Vitamin D Supplementation and Genetic Polymorphisms Impact on Weight Loss Diet Outcomes in Caucasians: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study’. Xenos K, Papasavva M, Raptis A, Katsarou M-S, Drakoulis N. Front. Med. 2022. 9:811326. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.811326

Sublingual B12 spray in children with vitamin B12 deficiency

University: Gazi University, Turkey

Key Findings:
This study treated 45 children with vitamin B12 deficiency using a sublingual vitamin B12 spray, rather than injections or tablets. The spray proved effective at correcting
deficiency, and researchers found it easier and more practical for children to use than other forms of B12 treatment.

Citation: Koksal AO, Koksal T, Duyan Camurdan A. ‘Sublingual spray treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency in children’. Electron J Gen Med. 2022;19(4):em382. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/12047

Comparative uptake of sublingual and capsular vitamin D

University: University of Sheffield

Key Findings:
Both BetterYou Vitamin D Oral Spray and a standard vitamin D capsule were found to be equally effective at raising vitamin D levels, with those starting from a lower level seeing the biggest improvement, and “71% of participants said they preferred the spray to the capsule”.

Citation: ‘Efficacy and comparative uptake rates of sublingual and capsular vitamin D preparations.’ 2018. Williams C, Williams EA, Corfe B. Molecular Gastroenterology Research Group, University of Sheffield.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665118001465

Vitamin D3 supplementation in children

University: University of Ulster

Key Findings:
This 12-week study followed 118 children in a placebo-controlled trial, tracking their vitamin D levels over time. Children taking Vitamin D Oral Spray saw their levels rise, while those on the placebo saw theirs decline, supporting oral spray as an effective,
“practical and well-tolerated” option for children who find tablets and capsules difficult to take.

Citation: ‘The effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on vitamin D status and associated health outcomes in children: a randomised controlled trial.’ Royle E, Glatt DU, McSorley EM, et al. 2026. The Journal of Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101493

Vitamin D3 buccal spray versus soft gelatine capsule

Institution: Ethicare Clinical Trial Services, Ahmedabad, India

Key Findings:
This study compared Vitamin D Oral Spray with a soft gelatine capsule, in both healthy adults and those with intestinal malabsorption. The spray raised vitamin D levels significantly more than the capsule in both groups, 1.9 times in healthy subjects, and by as much as 2.6 times more in people with malabsorption issues, highlighting its benefit for anyone, especially those whose digestive system struggles to absorb nutrients.

Citation: ‘A randomized two way cross over study for comparison of absorption of vitamin D3 buccal spray and soft gelatin capsule formulation in healthy subjects and in patients with intestinal malabsorption’ Satia MC, Mukim AG, Tibrewala KD, Bhavsar MS. Ethicare Clinical Trial Services, Ahmedabad, India, 2015. DOI 10.1186/s12937-015-0105-1

In vitro transdermal delivery of magnesium

University: Cardiff University

Key Findings:
Magnesium can pass through the skin from BetterYou Magnesium Oil when applied as directed. Massaging the product into the skin was found to be key to achieving the highest level of absorption.

Citation: In vitro transdermal delivery of magnesium.’ Dr C Heard, Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, 2011.

Transdermal magnesium and whole body CaMg ratios

Institution: European Journal of Nutritional Research

Key Findings:
On average, magnesium levels rose by 59.7% over 12 weeks, calcium to magnesium balance improved by 25.2%, and 78% of patients also showed signs of reduced heavy metal levels in the body.

Citation: A Pilot Study to determine the impact of Transdermal Magnesium treatment on serum levels and whole body CaMg Ratios’ In vivo study. Trial size: 9. Watkins K,
Josling PD. European Journal of Nutritional Research, September 2010.

Topical magnesium in NHS patients with an ileostomy

Institution: St Mark's Hospital, London

Key Findings:
This study looked at NHS patients with an ileostomy and chronic low magnesium levels, who used a topical magnesium chloride spray. The spray helped maintain or improve their magnesium levels, and 83% of patients reported that their muscle cramps improved significantly or disappeared altogether.

Citation: ‘Pilot study of a topical magnesium preparation to treat hypomagnesaemia in patients with an ileostomy’ Nightingale J, Al Bakir I, Adaba F. Intestinal Failure Unit, St Mark's Hospital. Intestinal Failure 2, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intf.2024.100018

Transdermal magnesium cream and serum and urinary magnesium

Institution: 1. University of Hertfordshire, 2. The Centre for Magnesium Education Research

Key Findings:
Those using the magnesium cream showed a bigger rise in magnesium blood and urine markers than those using the placebo, despite the relatively low dose (56mg).

Citation: ‘Effect of transdermal magnesium cream on serum and urinary magnesium levels in humans: A pilot study’ Kass L, Rosanoff A, Tanner A, Sullivan K, McAuley W, Plesset M. PLoS ONE 2017;12(4):e0174817.

Skin permeation of topical magnesium

University: University of Queensland

Key Findings:
Magnesium can be absorbed through the skin, entering primarily via the hair follicles. This method of application was also found to improve skin hydration and strengthen the skin's natural barrier.

Citation: 'Permeation of topically applied Magnesium ions through human skin is facilitated by hair follicles’ Chandrasekaran NC, Sanchez WY, Mohammed YH, Grice JE, Roberts MS, Barnard RT. Magnes Res 2016; 29(2): 35-42 doi:10.1684/mrh.2016.0402

Transdermal magnesium chloride and quality of life in fibromyalgia

Institution: Mayo Clinic, Minnesota

Key Findings:
Applying transdermal magnesium chloride to the arms and legs of people with fibromyalgia may help improve quality of life for people managing the condition, offering a gentle, non-oral option worth exploring alongside other care.

Citation: ‘Effects of transdermal magnesium chloride on quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia: a feasibility study’ Engen DJ, McAllister SJ, Whipple MO, Cha SS, Dion LJ, Vincent A, Bauer BA, Wahner-Roedler DL. J Integr Med. 2015;13(5):306 to 313.

Magnesium lotion and sleep quality

Institution: Consumer trial, University of Reading

Key Findings:
Using an NHS sleep self-assessment, people using BetterYou Magnesium Lotion
reported falling asleep more quickly and waking less during the night, with better overall sleep quality noticeable within the first week of use. Many also reported feeling happier, more energetic and less fatigued during the day.

Citation: SD2908 SensoryDimensions, University of Reading. Magnesium Lotion Sleep Study, March/April 2018.

Magnesium Oil transdermal spray and migraine

Institution: Consumer trial, Migraine Action

Key Findings:
Half of the participants reported that their migraines improved after using BetterYou Magnesium Oil, an improvement they attributed directly to the product.

Citation: ‘Migraine Action & BetterYou Magnesium Spray Trial Report’ Steve Holmes, Migraine Action Charity. Migraine Action and BetterYou magnesium spray trial report, December 2014. Trial size: 72

Vitamin D repletion rate: sublingual vs. capsular (Newcastle University)

Repletion rate of circulation 25-hydrocyvitamin D following sublingual vs. capsular Vitamin D supplementation in individuals with suboptimal Vitamin D status. “In just one week more people became replete with the spray than with capsules”. (trial size: 180) Funded by BetterYou. Completion 2026, publish date TBC.

Transoral iron spray vs. oral capsule (CHU and University of Caen, Normandy)

Efficacy and safety of transoral iron spray vs. oral capsule in iron deficiency anaemia
(trial size: 300+). Funded by French Health Authority. Starting summer 2026, publish
date TBC.

Dairy fortification and malnutrition risk in care homes (University of Ulster)

Food based dairy fortification, including vitamin D3, and malnutrition risk in care home
residents (trial size: 500+). Funded by UK Research and Innovation, with BetterYou
product and expert support. Starting 2026/27, publish date TBC.

Transdermal magnesium and endurance recovery (Newcastle University)

Acute and chronic effect of transdermal magnesium on recovery from prolonged
endurance exercise (trial size: 140). Funded by BetterYou. Start date TBC.