Because of its antioxidant properties and well-documented immune-boosting effects, Vitamin C is one of the most well-known and widely used supplements around the world. However, it’s also notoriously hard to absorb. Studies show only about 12 to 14 % of the vitamin C you consume in food is absorbed into your bloodstream – the rest being flushed out of your body. In supplement form, it’s even worse – with the body only absorbing 7-8% of the total amount. This is where the form of vitamin C comes in and liposomal vitamin C is more bioavailable, let's explore why. 

What Does Liposomal Mean?

Before we examine liposomal vitamin C, it’s important to establish what the term “liposomal” means. Liposomal refers to a supplement that has its active ingredient(s) encased in one or more fat particles. This liposome is a fat shell made up of fatty acids, manufactured synthetically from cholesterol and other forms of fat. Liposomes are both a protective agent, as well as a carrier for the active ingredients (in this case, vitamin C). Liposomes are not an innovation and have long been used to encapsulate nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and pharmaceuticals.

What is Liposomal Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, like many other nutrients, has to make its way through your digestive tract, which is a tall order! Because liposomal vitamin C is encapsulated in tiny fatty acid particles – liposomes – it avoids the digestive tract altogether. The liposomes protect the vitamin C from the harsh acids of the stomach and degradation by enzymes, so allows for easier absorption in the stomach and intestinal tract. Once broken down, the contents of the liposome are then released into your bloodstream, where it’s distributed to the various tissues inside your body.

Understanding Why Liposomal Is Better

Because of the protective effects of the liposome, the absorption of lipo Vitamin C reaches upwards of 85% - a significantly higher percentage than standard vitamin C supplements. This means that the liposomal format can raise your blood concentration of vitamin C quickly - even when you’re taking an extremely low dose. Research tells us that liposomal supplements can help increase the effectiveness of supplementation tenfold.

The lipid envelope helps the fat-containing cells and tissues of the body to absorb what is normally a water-soluble vitamin but is delivered inside a fat-permeable layer that is the liposome.

Key Applications and Benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C

Liposomal Vitamin C offers powerful antioxidant properties, so protects all of the body’s tissues from free radical damage. It also helps stimulate and support your immune system, as well as helps optimize and speed up recovery from injuries, strains, sprains, and bruising. Liposomal C is also ideal to help protect brain health and cognitive function, as well as to support your cardiovascular system. It helps optimize bone health because it increases the absorption of calcium and iron, and is a great addition to most diets to help maintain, protect & preserve overall good health.

When to Choose Liposomal Vitamin C Over Other Formats

While a regular form of vitamin C may suit you if you’re in relatively good health, if you have a compromised immune system, lead an active and stressful lifestyle, are a hard trainer or an athlete, or are living with a chronic condition, a liposomal form of vitamin C, that can quickly and effectively raise your vitamin C blood concentration may be ideal.

Tips For Taking Liposomal Vitamin C

Liposomal vitamin C should be taken once or twice daily, depending on the dose and the purpose you’re using it for. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosing. Because of the phospholipid nature of lipo vitamin C, it has a distinct gooey texture, which some people may not appreciate on its own. This is why it’s best to add it to water, juice, tea, or your favourite smoothie, or mixed into your yogurt or smoothie bowl, for a tasty & energizing immune boost!