What Does “Sustained Release” Mean?

Sustained-release formulations are developed in the nutrient and pharmaceutical industries to slowly deliver the active compound over a longer period of time.

There is an initial release of the nutrients or drug to provide a therapeutic dosage soon after administration, then a gradual release over an extended period of time.

Why Is It Important?

Sustained Release mechanisms have the advantages of:

  • being taken less frequently,
  • potentially decrease the side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs,
  • provide prolonged circulation of active compounds during times a repeated dosage would be difficult (ie: nighttime), and
  • “protecting” the active compound from rapid absorption and/or breakdown to allow longer time in circulation to potentially reach target areas.