What are Liposomes?
Liposomes are double-layer, liquid-filled bubbles made from the same material as a cell membrane – the protective layer around every cell in our body.
As it turns out, researchers discovered these “bubbles” could be filled with a specific nutrient, such as vitamin C, and used to protect the nutrient and deliver it to specific cells of the body.
What is the Advantage of Using Liposomal Nutrients?
Encapsulating a specific nutrient inside a liposome, aka: “bubble,” is a huge advantage.
High Bioavailability and Absorption
The liposome easily passes through your intestines, into your blood, and enters your cells, making the nutrient more bioavailable. In cell culture studies, liposomes can increase intracellular delivery 100-fold over non-liposomal delivery.
Better Tolerated
The liposome’s outside fat layer prevents the nutrient from coming into direct contact with the stomach and intestines. This allows high doses of nutrients, such as vitamin C, to be better tolerated and therefore reduce intestinal discomfort.
Versatile
The liposomal system has a unique ability to encapsulate and deliver both water-loving and fat-loving nutrients.
How are Liposomal Nutrients Released?
Research has not clearly shown how the nutrients in a liposome are actually released, but there are a couple of theories. One theory suggests the phospholipids are processed in the liver as fats and this process releases the nutrient. Another theory proposes that cells all over the body are hungry for phospholipid materials to repair cell membranes and other cellular structures. This leads to the cells "stealing" from the liposome, allowing their contents to leak out.
Quite possibly both processes occur. In any case, the therapeutic value and greatly increased delivery of liposome-encapsulated drugs and nutrients has been scientifically confirmed countless times. Currently, liposomes are the most bioavailable way to deliver nutrients orally.
Common Liposomal Nutrients
There are many liposomal nutrients to choose from, including: Vitamin C, Glutathione, Vitamin B12, B-complex, Vitamin D, Curcumin, L-5-MTHF, Melatonin, Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods
