Liposomes: a New Scientific Breakthrough in Nutrient Delivery
Supplements have now become mainstream and are much needed in diets lacking in nutrients and vitamins. There are various types from mineral to herbal and, of course, vitamins. But just because we consume them does not necessarily mean our body absorbs them. Orally administrated vitamins show low absorption and bioavailability. They aren’t as readily absorbed in the small intestine either. To reap their benefits, they need to reach the target tissue. Their bioavailability plays a pivotal role in their efficacy. Bioavailability is impacted by several factors such as digestive problems, low uptake of nutrients and low stomach acid.
But the health world is constantly evolving and searching for better ways. It incorporates the old with the modern to find solutions that maximise and improve our health so our bodies can effectively absorb minerals, vitamins and herbal substances consumed by it. The short answer is via liposomes.
Table of Contents
What Are Liposomes?
Liposomes come from the Greek word lipos for “fat” and soma for “body.” Coincidentally it also describes liposomes in itself as a “small body.”
Biologically, Liposomes are lipid vesicles. They are made of phospholipids (present in plants like sunflowers) that are bonded together to form a double membrane. All bio-membranes have a double membrane – all cell membranes are double-membraned. With their aqueous interior and fat-soluble double membrane, liposomes can transport different substances without concerning their charge, size or structure. What’s more, they are protected from the body’s digestive enzymes and even from gastric acids to a certain extent.
Phospholipids are the chief building blocks of liposomes. In theory, liposomes can fuse with cell membranes as the structures for phospholipid membranes is the same. The identical structure makes for easy absorption of phospholipid and makes uptake a priority in the body. Simply put, the liposomes easily deceive the system and carry the nutrients, minerals and vitamins through the digestive tract without notice. It is often referred to as the “Trojan Horse” in drug deliverance.
Liposomes have three rudimentary abilities:
Protecting the active ingredients: the harsh environment in the stomach usually ends up damaging the active ingredients. Encapsulated in the liposomes, it provides safe passage to the active ingredients through the digestive system.
Masking: the phospholipid layer in the liposomes helps mask the active ingredients. This way, larger amounts can be absorbed and escape the selective function of the small intestine. It also helps reduce the side effects of some high doses of vitamins and minerals.
Absorption Efficacy: Liposomes are preferentially absorbed in the walls of the small intestine as they share the phospholipid layer with its cells membranes. This fat absorption, helps the active ingredients enter directly into the intestinal cells (enterocytes), and from there, into the bloodstream and lymphatic system. It helps avoid the route through the liver, as that would result in direct discharge or inactivation of the active ingredients.
What Does Liposomal Mean and What Is the Science Behind Them?
The science behind liposomal formulations is based on a natural phenomenon, as explained above. Phospholipids trap liquids containing, vitamins, minerals and micronutrients in a “lipid bubble.” These substances are automatically enclosed by the liposome. Therefore food enriched with active ingredients enclosed in liposomes is known as liposomal. The aim of ingesting or taking active ingredients is to transport them into the bloodstream through the mucosal and intestinal epithelial cells.
The Science
Liposomes are amphiphilic in nature. In simple words, they are water and fat-soluble. This property gives the liposomes the ability to transport active ingredients to the target site resulting in complete drug delivery. It promotes optimised absorption increasing the bioavailability of the active ingredient significantly and maximising its effect. Simply put, active ingredients like magnesium or vitamin C, when taken orally, do not reach the bloodstream. So if an active ingredient (vitamin, mineral plant-based substances) are encapsulated in liposomal formulations, they are protected and efficiently reach the site of action via the bloodstream.
What Makes the Liposomes Better Than Other Methods of Nutrient Delivery?
Another name used for liposomes is “targeted nutrient/drug delivery.” Liposomes have changed the way our bodies absorb nutrients or active ingredients. Conventional food supplements do not hold a candle to liposomal supplements/formulations efficacy.
Research has shown that our body absorbs only 14-30% of Vitamin C in its standard form. Likewise, studies also show that digestive enzymes often degrade nutrients in our digestive tract – only a small amount of these active ingredients reaches our bloodstream and from their own to the targeted tissues. Nonetheless, orally administrated active ingredients are the pervasive choice of administration by many.
Consequently, we also know that when active ingredients are administered intravenously they have high bioavailability and show effects quickly in comparison to the above method. But this method is usually avoided due to its complicated administration. Furthermore, there is a high risk of infection through cannulas.
The target of every nutrient or drug delivery is to reach the cells in our tissue, and our bloodstream is the most effective way. However, the above two methods are not as efficient. Active ingredients lose their effects passing through the digestive tract or sometimes, are not absorbed by the small intestine. In addition, if molecular agglomerates are large, have very little water solubility, they aren’t readily absorbed or are too hydrophobic to be dissolved. They end up marginally passing the intestinal wall and fail to fulfil their function. The active ingredients end up being excreted in bulk, unused by the intestine or kidney.
Not to exaggerate, but liposomal nutrient delivery is a breakthrough in healthcare. Its quick delivery and 100% bioavailability have made this way of delivery stand out from the rest. It is also far more effective as nutrients reach targeted areas quicker through the bloodstream. Studies confirm that liposomes increase the bioavailability of active ingredients by up to 47 times.
This method of administration is also perfect concerning a “price to performance” ratio. The greater the bioavailability of an active substance, the more effect it has on our body.
What are Liposomal Supplements and their Benefits?
We have already established the fact that Liposomes are an excellent delivery method for nutrients. They permit direct and efficient delivery of the active ingredient to the cells. Below are some of the benefits of Liposomal formulations and supplements:
High Bioavailability and Increased Absorption: While the manufacturing process makes the liposomal supplements expensive than normal supplements. It is worth the high bioavailability of the nutrients in our system. Besides, it saves the journey through the digestive tract that means that lower doses can be delivered that is just as effective as a conventional dosage in a tablet. Likewise, liposomes allow improved nutrient absorption and higher bioavailability.
Liposomal products are not only available as supplements or efficient in this form only. Liposomal powder products offer the same level of enhanced bioavailability. As of now, active ingredients currently delivered through liposomal technology are vitamin C, curcumin, magnesium and glutathione.
Large Doses Delivered Directly To Target Site: Another benefit of liposomal supplements is the delivery of larger doses directly to cells. Take vitamin C, for instance, liposomal delivery would be powerful, in situations where you require a large dose of Vitamin C. But that same dose of ascorbic acid as a tablet or powder may result in diarrhoea.
Powder Liposomes Offer Different Advantages: dry liposomes in powder dorms have other benefits over liquid liposomal products. These include neutral taste, longer shelf life and the lack of undesirable substances such as flavouring or preservatives.
For dry liposomal nutrients that are manufactured without chemicals, high pressure or temperatures, Crystal Health and Beauty UK is the right stop for you. We provide dry liposomal powders of high and premium quality. The nutrients are readily and easily bioavailable for direct and immediate use by the body.
Distinct Features of Our Liposomal Supplements
Apart from high quality and efficiency, Crystal Health and Beauty UK offer liposomal supplements with the following features:
- They are alcohol-free.
- They do not contain any dairy, soy, gluten or wheat.
- They are free of artificial sweeteners, flavourings and preservatives.
- They are 100% vegan and vegetarian friendly.
- They are naturally flavoured.
Apart from the above, we package our products in glass which helps reduce plastic waste from packaging. We at Crystal Health and Beauty UK also ensure that our product is prepared with utmost care. We use nitrogen to flush the necks of our amber glass bottles before sealing the lids. This flushing technique protects our liposomal supplements and powder from oxidative degradation when in storage. We ensure and pride ourselves in upholding and providing the best quality liposomal you can possibly have. We guarantee it.
Furthermore, we sell our liposomal supplements at a competitive price. Our range of liposomal products is 75% more affordable and feasible than conventional supplements. Our bottles are large in size and higher in strength in comparison to other liposomal products available in the market.
Visit our website to place an order at Crystal Health and Beauty UK for your liposomal supplements and powder now.
References
https://well-actually.co.uk/pages/liposomes
https://www.actinovo.com/en/what-are-liposomes
https://www.dilworthdrug.com/the-liposomal-difference-a-breakthrough-in-nutrient-delivery/
https://riohealth.co.uk/blogs/news/liposomal-supplements-what-are-they