The Role of Milling & Particle Size in Supplement & Food Absorption
In the world of food and supplement manufacturing, the importance of particle size is often overlooked. However, it plays a critical role in product efficacy, bioavailability, and consumer experience. Whether it’s a protein powder, a herbal supplement, or a functional food, the size of the particles directly impacts how the body absorbs and utilises nutrients.
Milling, the process of reducing particle size, is a fundamental step in food and supplement production. Advances in milling technology allow manufacturers to optimise particle size for better mixability, solubility, digestibility, and absorption. This blog explores how milling affects nutrient absorption, the benefits of particle size optimisation, and its impact on product performance.
Why Particle Size Matters in Food & Supplement Absorption
The human digestive system breaks down food into smaller particles before nutrients can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The smaller the particle, the greater the surface area, which improves dissolution and bioavailability.
1. Increased Surface Area & Solubility
Smaller particles mean a larger surface area, which allows more contact with digestive enzymes and solvents like stomach acid or water. This enhances solubility, making it easier for nutrients to dissolve and be absorbed.
For example:
Finely milled protein powders dissolve more easily in water, leading to better digestion and faster muscle recovery (Clemente, 2000).
Micro-milled herbal extracts can deliver higher bioavailability, meaning more of the active compounds reach the bloodstream (Chen et al., 2006).
2. Faster Digestive Transit & Nutrient Uptake
Larger particles take longer to break down, delaying nutrient absorption. In contrast, ultra-fine powders or micronised particles pass through the digestive tract faster, increasing the speed of nutrient uptake.
For instance:
Curcumin, found in turmeric, has poor bioavailability due to its large particle size. When milled into nano-sized particles, absorption increases significantly (Anand et al., 2007).
Calcium supplements with fine particle sizes dissolve faster in the stomach, making them more effective for bone health (Scholz-Ahrens & Schrezenmeir, 2007).
3. Improved Consistency & Consumer Experience
Particle size affects texture, taste, and mixability. Coarse powders may have a gritty mouthfeel, whereas ultra-fine powders feel smooth and blend easily. This is crucial for consumer satisfaction, particularly in:
Protein shakes and meal replacement powders
Herbal and plant-based supplements
Functional foods like superfood powders
How Particle Size Impacts Product Performance
The process of milling—reducing particle size—plays a pivotal role in determining the quality, efficacy, and consumer appeal of food and supplement products. By carefully controlling particle size, manufacturers can optimise key attributes such as solubility, bioavailability, texture, and mixability. Below, we explore how particle size influences these factors and why it matters for your product’s success.
1. Solubility & Bioavailability
Smaller particles have a larger surface area, which enhances their interaction with digestive enzymes and solvents like water or stomach acid. This leads to faster dissolution and improved nutrient absorption. For example:
Protein Powders: Finely milled protein powders dissolve more easily in water, ensuring better digestion and faster muscle recovery (Clemente, 2000).
Herbal Extracts: Micro-milled herbal extracts deliver higher bioavailability, allowing more active compounds to reach the bloodstream (Chen et al., 2006).
Curcumin: Nano-milled curcumin particles increase absorption by up to 2000% compared to traditional forms (Anand et al., 2007).
2. Texture & Mouthfeel
Particle size directly affects the sensory experience of a product. Coarse powders can feel gritty and unpleasant, while ultra-fine powders are smooth and easy to consume. This is especially important for:
Protein Shakes & Meal Replacements: A smooth texture enhances drinkability and consumer satisfaction.
Superfood Powders: Fine particles blend seamlessly into smoothies or baked goods, improving versatility.
Herbal Supplements: A smooth mouthfeel makes herbal powders more palatable, encouraging consistent use.
3. Mixability & Stability
Particle size also influences how well a product mixes with liquids or other ingredients. Fine powders disperse more evenly, preventing clumping and ensuring a consistent dose. This is critical for:
Functional Foods: Even distribution of nutrients ensures each serving delivers the intended benefits.
Liquid Supplements: Nano-sized particles (achieved through wet milling) improve the solubility of fat-soluble vitamins and other hydrophobic ingredients (Müller & Keck, 2004).
4. Shelf Life & Nutrient Integrity
Advanced milling techniques can preserve the integrity of sensitive nutrients, such as probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants. For example:
Cryogenic Milling: Uses liquid nitrogen to prevent heat damage, preserving the potency of heat-sensitive compounds (Balasubramanian et al., 2011).
Micronisation: Reduces particle size without degrading nutrients, enhancing bioavailability and shelf life (Pilcer & Amighi, 2010).
The Science Behind Particle Size & Bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to how much of a nutrient or active ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream and used by the body. Particle size has a direct impact on bioavailability, especially for poorly soluble compounds like curcumin, resveratrol, and certain minerals.
Case Study: Nano Curcumin for Enhanced Absorption
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is poorly absorbed due to its large molecular size and fat-soluble nature. Traditional curcumin powders have less than 1% bioavailability. However, when curcumin is nano-milled (particles below 100 nanometers), its absorption increases by up to 2000% (Anand et al., 2007). Similar benefits have been seen with:
Nano-sized CoQ10 for heart health
Micronised magnesium for better muscle recovery
Ultra-fine spirulina powder for faster absorption of antioxidants
Conclusion: The Future of Milling in Food & Supplement Manufacturing
Milling is more than just grinding ingredients—it determines how well nutrients are absorbed, how effective supplements are, and how enjoyable they are to consume. As demand for high-performance, bioavailable, and sustainable supplements grows, advanced milling techniques will continue to evolve. By optimising particle size, manufacturers can ensure:
Better nutrient absorption & effectiveness
Improved consumer experience (better taste, texture, mixability)
Longer shelf life & stability
Sustainable and efficient production
Whether you’re formulating a new superfood powder, a cutting-edge supplement, or a functional ingredient blend, milling plays a critical role in your product’s success.
If you’re looking for expert milling, blending, and supplement manufacturing services, Agtech Food Manufacturing is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how our state-of-the-art milling techniques can enhance your product’s performance and marketability.
References
Anand, P., Kunnumakkara, A. B., Newman, R. A., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2007). Bioavailability of curcumin: problems and promises. Molecular Pharmaceutics, 4(6), 807-818.
Clemente, A. (2000). Enzymatic protein hydrolysates in human nutrition. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 11(7), 254-262.
Scholz-Ahrens, K. E., & Schrezenmeir, J. (2007). Inulin, oligofructose, and mineral metabolism—experimental data and mechanism. British Journal of Nutrition, 93(S1), S61-S68.
Chen, L., Remondetto, G. E., & Subirade, M. (2006). Food protein-based materials as nutraceutical delivery systems. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 17(5), 272-283.
Balasubramanian, S., Allen, J. D., Kanitkar, A., & Boldor, D. (2011). Oil extraction from Scenedesmus obliquus using a continuous microwave system—design, optimization, and quality characterization. Bioresource Technology, 102(3), 3396-3403.
Müller, R. H., & Keck, C. M. (2004). Challenges and solutions for the delivery of biotech drugs—a review of drug nanocrystal technology and lipid nanoparticles. Journal of Biotechnology, 113(1-3), 151-170.
Pilcer, G., & Amighi, K. (2010). Formulation strategy and use of excipients in pulmonary drug delivery. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 392(1-2), 1-19.