If you’re someone who has a keen interest in health and seeks out effective and bioavailable supplements, you may have heard of the term ‘liposomal’ in relation to various nutrients. If you’ve also wondered what exactly this means and if they’re worth the higher cost, read on.
Let’s take a closer look at Liposomes.
What are they?
A liposome is a closed, spherical lipid bilayer, which forms an internal cavity capable of carrying water based solutions. Composed of two sheets of tightly arranged phospholipids, each has a hydrophobic (water hating) tail and a hydrophilic (water loving) head. When two single membranes come together, the hydrophobic tails attract toward each other, while the heads of both membranes are attracted to the surrounding water. A double layer of phospholipid molecules is formed, which exclude the internal solution from the outside and the solution can then be transported within the liposome to where it is needed.
Proven by science
Discovered in the pharmaceutical industry in the 70s, they have since been extensively researched and further developed, experiencing a resurgence in more recent years due to a progression and improvement in the technology used to create them. They are now a proven method of transporting compounds (usually drugs) into the cells.
The most remarkable advantages of liposomes are their biocompatibility and safety due to resemblance to bio-membranes.
Liposomal Vitamins
Liposomes have been shown to be beneficial for stabilising therapeutic compounds, overcoming obstacles to cellular and tissue uptake, and improving bio-distribution of compounds to target sites in vivo.
When used to encapsulate vitamin C, it is a highly effective solution to the potential issue of mixing a water-soluble vitamin with a lipid (fat) cell wall. Just as oil and water do not mix, there can be issues in the cellular absorption of regular oral vitamin C powders and pills.
In a single-blind, placebo-led, peer reviewed study, absorption of vitamin C was shown to be up to 30 times greater when compared to other oral vitamin c options*. Added to the benefit of improved bioavailability, people do not seem to experience the same gastric discomfort and diarrhoea when taking higher doses.
What’s the downside?
There are only 2 issues that people seem to face with liposomal vitamins - The taste and the price!
They’re not naturally pleasant and so sweeteners and ‘natural flavours’ (which are far from natural) are often added in an effort to mask the flavour. And in truth, they still don’t taste great.
We couldn’t let the taste get in the way of reaping the many benefits of vitamin C in such a bioavailable form. That’s why we worked hard to come up with something that worked with the flavour, whilst remaining pure and natural. We add only a little organic sweet orange oil to LipoC, which works well with the sharper taste of the vitamin C and is something very close to the taste of biting into a fresh orange.
More punch for your pound!
It’s important to keep in mind that liposomes allow the nutrient to be readily absorbed meaning that a lesser amount will have a greater effect. While it may seem more expensive at first glance, the absorption rate makes it a practical and economical choice for optimal health.
LipoC - 1,000mg high strength liposomal C made with non-GMO sunflower lecithin and only a little organic orange oil for a great taste.
*Liposomal-encapsulated Ascorbic Acid: Influence on Vitamin C Bioavailability, published on US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (PMCID: PMC4915787) by Janelle L. (Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.)
