Advances in Nanoparticle-Based Vitamin Delivery Systems for Precision Nutrition and Improved Bioavailability

Deficiencies of vitamins D, A, E, K, B12, and Folate remain a significant public health concern, even with the broad implementation of supplementation efforts. Traditional oral vitamin formulations have low bioavailability due to poor water solubility, instability in the digestive tract, and significant first-pass metabolism. Nanocarrier-based techniques have emerged as a promising approach to overcome these problems, enabling better solubility, protecting vitamins from degradation by enzymes, and facilitating targeted transport to the intestine or lymphatic system. This article reviews current progress in nanocarrier-based strategies for vitamin delivery. The types of carriers include lipid nanoparticles, polymeric carriers, liposomes, protein and peptide-based carriers, and particulate inorganic materials. Additionally, this article examines key processes involved in nanoparticle-mediated uptake by the mucosa, absorption by the mucosa, and cellular trafficking. The focus is on the development of vitamin nanoformulations because of their importance in metabolic, skeletal, and immune system functions. The final section of the review addresses methods to improve vitamin pharmacokinetics, apart from safety and toxicity concerns, regulatory hurdles, and potential problems associated with mass production and formulation stability. In conclusion, nanocarrier-based delivery platforms for vitamins present an exciting opportunity for precision nutrition and hold the potential to enhance public health outcomes.