przyswajalno

Przyswajalno is a Polish term used to describe the property of a substance to be absorbed by an organism, particularly through the digestive system. In scientific contexts, the related noun przyswajalność and the adjective przyswajalny are more common. The term is employed in nutrition, food science, and pharmacology to denote how readily a nutrient, mineral, vitamin, or medication becomes available for use after ingestion. A substance with high przyswajalność is readily absorbed and reaches systemic circulation or target tissues; substances with low przyswajalność are absorbed to a lesser extent.

Etymology and linguistic notes: It derives from the verb przyswajać (to absorb, assimilate) with the productive suffixes -alny and -ność, forming adjectives and nouns related to absorptive capacity. The adverbial form przyswajalnie describes the manner of absorption.

Usage and examples: In nutrition, przyswajalność explains why some minerals are more readily utilized than others. For example, heme iron shows higher przyswajalność than non-heme iron; phytates and dietary fibers can lower przyswajalność of minerals by forming insoluble complexes. In pharmacology, oral przyswajalność (bioavailability) measures the fraction of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation. Formulation, solubility, pH, and interactions with food influence przyswajalność.

See also: przyswajalność, bioavailability, przyswajalny.