Liposomal supplements are created so that nutrients are encapsulated by liposomes. Liposomes are small bubbles of phospholipids, which are the same fats that make up human cells, that can encase supplements in a protective barrier. (4)
Liposome technology is used to improve nutrient stability and increase absorption. (1)(3) In particular, liposomal encapsulation is especially effective for antioxidant compounds such as Vitamin C, Glutathione, and Curcumin because it increases their bioavailability. (3) For example, a 2022 study published in the Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology showed that liposomal encapsulation increased the half-life of vitamin C in blood plasma and has higher bioavailability than vitamin C without liposomes. (2)
Liposomes offer protection for nutrients. Vitamin C can be destroyed by stomach acid, digestive enzymes, intestinal microbes and oxidative damage. (3) Liposomes act as escorts to carry their cargo – whatever active ingredients are in the supplement – to areas of the body where they can be most efficiently absorbed. (3) Liposomes maintain their structure through the stomach, protect the nutrients from being degraded in the gastrointestinal tract, and release what they are carrying in the small intestines or beyond. (1)(3) This in turn helps to reduce side effects such as gut irritation. (3) Liposomal supplements can be good for those with digestive sensitivity or stomach issues.
Solaray has taken liposomal technology, old in and of itself, to the next level. Instead of the traditional liquid supplement, Solaray has dehydrated the liposomes into a powder. It is thought that this process better stabilizes nutrients and allows for a capsule product like their Liposomal Multivitamin. (4)
Sources
- Weilin Liu, Yingying Hou, et al. (2020). Research progress on liposomes: Application in food, digestion behavior and absorption mechanism. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 104: 177-189. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924224420305707
- Chiung-Jung Wen, Chi-Fu Chiang et al. (2022) Double Nutri (Liposomal Encapsulation) Enhances Bioavailability of Vitamin C and Extends Its Half-Life in Plasma. Journal of Biomedical Technology. 18: 922-927. https://doi.org/10.1166/jbn.2022.3274
- Liposomal Supplements: Bioavailability, Benefits & More. Seeking Health. Retrieved from https://education.seekinghealth.com/liposomal-supplements/ on July 20 2022
- Liposomal Mulitvitamins. Solaray. Retrieved from https://solaray.com/pages/liposomal-multivitamins on July 20 2022