What is liposomal and how does it differ from regular supplements?
What does liposomal mean?
To understand this, we need to start with digestion. At almost every point in our digestive system, from mouth to large intestine, digestive juices are released to break down food so that it can be absorbed and utilised by our body. These juices are incredibly powerful and not only break down food but also kill bacteria and viruses.
The downside of this effective system is that supplements like tablets are broken down so quickly that the full amount of the supplement is not always absorbed. When a supplement contains 500 mg of magnesium, it unfortunately does not mean that our body will absorb the full 500 mg of magnesium.
There is a solution, namely protection with liposomes. The term 'liposomal' comes from Latin; 'lipos' means fat. Liposomes are very small, fat-like spheres that encapsulate and protect the vitamins and minerals from, among other things, stomach acid. These small liposomal spheres ensure that the nutrients in a supplement are better absorbed by our body. Liposomes ensure a slow, gradual release of the active substances, thereby improving their absorption.
How do liposomal supplements work?
Liposomes are microscopically small fat particles that form a membrane made of phospholipid molecules. The structure of the liposomes is hollow and enclosed by a double phospholipid layer. This makes them effective and safe carriers of nutrients.
Because liposomes have a similar structure to our body's own cell membrane, liposomes are recognised by the body as a body's own cell. This allows the contents of the liposome to enter directly into our body cells. This means that liposomal supplements have a greater bioavailability and faster absorption than regular supplements.
What is bioavailability?
Bioavailability is the degree to which an ingested nutrient becomes available in the bloodstream and tissues and is absorbed there. Vitamins and minerals all have different bioavailability. Some are easily absorbed, others require some help (substances), and yet others are not fully absorbed if another nutrient is present. In general, bioavailability depends on factors such as:
- The method of intake: In some cases, capsules may be more effective than tablets. Or sublingual (under the tongue) may be more effective than capsules. For example, vitamin B12 is better absorbed under the tongue than through our digestive system.
- The health of the body and age: when you are 60 years or older, there is a greater chance that you will absorb nutrients such as vitamin B12 and magnesium less effectively.
- Circadian rhythm: some supplements are better absorbed when taken at a certain time of day. In our blog What is the best time to take your vitamins? you can read more.
- Health of the gastrointestinal tract: conditions such as Crohn's disease and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) can affect nutrient absorption.
- The presence of other nutrients: fats from, for example, avocado can improve the absorption of carotenoids (precursors of vitamin A). While calcium can hinder the absorption of iron.
How much better is a liposomal supplement absorbed?
Research into the effectiveness of liposomal techniques is promising. It has been found that the bioavailability of certain liposomal supplements can be up to nearly 7 times higher than that of 'regular' supplements. In other studies, absorption was even more than 16 times higher.
Due to the high and rapid absorbability of liposomal supplements, you need less of them. And although liposomal products are generally slightly more expensive than regular supplements, they pay off because you need less of them due to their better effectiveness and absorbability.
The benefits of liposomal supplements
As discussed above, liposomal supplements have several advantages over 'regular' supplements:
- Faster absorption and better bioavailability
- Remain intact in the gastrointestinal tract and are not prematurely broken down
- Stomach and intestine friendly
- The liquid liposomal supplements are a good alternative if you have difficulty taking capsules or tablets
- Due to the good absorption, a lower dosage is often sufficient
Liposomal supplements come in various forms and dosages. For instance, you can buy liposomal supplements in the form of liposomal gummies, liposomal chewable tablets, liposomal capsules, and even in liquid form.
What liposomal supplements are available?
The advantage of the technology behind liposomal supplements is that almost all vitamins (both water-soluble and fat-soluble) and minerals are suitable for it. Nowadays, you can get almost all popular vitamins and minerals in liposomal form. For example, liposomal vitamin C or liposomal curcuma is popular among those who want to take a high-quality form of vitamin C or curcumin.
Good to know
Curious whether a liposomal supplement is a good addition to your supplement routine? Check out our liposomal range or get personal advice from our health coaches in-store, via chat, email, or phone!
Sources:
- Wang, Y., Mackenzie, B., Tsukaguchi, H., Weremowicz, S., Morton, C. C., & Hediger, M. A. (2000). Human vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) transporter SVCT1. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 267(2), 488–494. https://doi.org/10.1006/bbrc.1999.1929
- Gavhane, Y. N., & Yadav, A. V. (2012). Loss of orally administered drugs in GI tract. Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society, 20(4), 331–344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2012.03.005
- Shade C. W. (2016). Liposomes as Advanced Delivery Systems for Nutraceuticals. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 15(1), 33–36.
- Monteiro, N., Martins, A., Reis, R. L., & Neves, N. M. (2014). Liposomes in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Journal of the Royal Society, Interface, 11(101), 20140459. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2014.0459
- Mozafari, M. R., Khosravi-Darani, K., Borazan, G. G., Cui, J., Pardakhty, A., & Yurdugul, S. (2008). Encapsulation of food ingredients using nanoliposome technology. International Journal of Food Properties, 11(4), 833-844.
