What is Liposomal?
With technology ever evolving, there are more and more options and ways for us to take our supplements, whether that is as a liquid, capsule, dissolving powder or now as a liposomal supplement.
But what is the difference between a supplement and a liposomal supplement?
The majority of supplements we take are broken down by the digestive system so that they can be absorbed by our bodies. However, this often means that most of a supplement does not go to the cells we intend for them to work on. This basically means that if you take a supplement of a specific amount, it does not automatically mean that your body will absorb this amount. They can also contain binders, fillers and additives which are not natural.
This highlights one of the most important reasons why liposomal supplements are gaining in popularity. Liposomal supplements offer an efficient delivery system to provide nutrients which are not digested by our gastrointestinal system and allow for much more of a supplement to be absorbed by our body. This can result in lower dosages of liposomal supplements providing the same benefits as higher dosages of traditional supplements.
What is Liposomal?
Liposomes use liposomal encapsulation technology to provide a supplement that can be termed “liposomal”. This essentially means that the nutrient or vitamin is encased within a liposome to prevent the nutrient from being broken down or degraded by factors like stomach acid, heat, and other conditions, so it can be absorbed directly to the cells it is required at. Liposomal supplements offer higher bioavailability and absorption rates when compared to regular supplements.
what is a liposome?
A Liposome is sphere of phospholipids and cholesterol which act as a vesicle and have a structure like our cell membranes. Cell membranes help to regulate what can and can’t enter the cell, and so determines what nutrients are absorbed and delivered. As liposomes are made up of components like the cell membranes, our body recognises it, and they can enter our body efficiently.
The structure of a Liposome
Liposomes have one or more bilayers which are made of lipids. This means which that there are hydrophilic heads (which are attracted to water) and hydrophobic tails (which are attracted to lipids and fats) which make up the bilayers, or double-layered membranes. These bilayers surround a core that is hollow, allowing them to be efficient vehicles to transport molecules and nutrients into the bloodstream and cells.
Liposomes are often used to provide a supplement in a form that can be easily absorbed by the body. Thanks to their structure, when the liposome is mixed into an aqueous solution (i.e. absorbed into the body), the vitamin is concealed within the liposome and so protected against the digestive enzymes.
The fact that a liposome is composed of phospholipids also means that they are biocompatible and biodegradable, providing fewer side effects than regular supplements and meaning that they are stable.
What are the benefits of liposomal supplements?
Increased bioavailability
Liposomal supplements can have higher bioavailability than regular, traditional supplements because the liposomes protect the nutrients from being degraded, protecting the supplement. Shielding the nutrients from stomach acid and digestive enzymes means that when the supplement reaches the cells, it is still intact, allowing for the supplements to have a higher bioavailability.
Additionally, it is easier for liposomes to enter our cells due to its similar structure to cell membranes, which allow the liposomes to deliver nutrients into our cells effectively.
Gentle on the stomach
Traditional supplements, when ingested, are degraded, and broken down by components in our digestive system, from our stomach acid to digestive enzymes. This breakdown can sometimes irritate our stomach and cause discomfort.
Liposomal supplements consist of lipid bilayers which protect the supplement from the acidic environment of the stomach, which prevents this degradation. The liposomes improve the stability, protect the nutrients, and help absorption without causing gastrointestinal discomfort thanks to its targeted delivery and encapsulation.
Rapidly absorbed
As liposomal supplements consist of lipid bilayers which resemble the structure of cell membranes, it allows for liposomes to be biocompatible and interact with the cell membranes for fast absorption. This liposomal encapsulation technology allows for the body to absorb liposomal supplements much faster than traditional supplementation. The prevention against degradation from digestive enzymes also means that the nutrients preserve integrity until it reaches the site of absorption so there is no loss of nutrient. More of the active ingredient can reach the targeted cells within less time, optimising bioavailability and absorption.
Less additives, binders, and fillers
As Liposomal supplements use liposomes which has a stable structure within environments that are aqueous, they may not need additional stabilisers. The lipid bilayers help to encapsulate the supplements which protect them, further contributing to the stability. As liposomes are biocompatible with the body, they may not require other substances which aid the delivery into the body, or additives to enhance the stability, shelf life or absorption rates.
Conclusion: The difference between liposomal and regular supplements
Liposomal supplements provide a supplement that has higher bioavailability, stability, absorption rates and may provide maximum benefits at a lower dosage compared to traditional supplementation. This is thanks to liposomal encapsulation technology which protects the nutrients from degradation from the digestive system by encapsulating the nutrient within a liposome, made up of phospholipid bilayers.
Summary:
- Liposomal means that the nutrient or vitamin is encapsulated with liposomes using liposomal encapsulation technology.
- Liposomes are vesicles composed of phospholipid bilayers which can encapsulate a nutrient or molecule to deliver it to cells rapidly and without risk of degradation from the digestive system.
- Liposomal supplements provide higher bioavailability, allowing for better absorption of nutrients when compared to traditional supplements due to encapsulation for efficient delivery.
Liposomal Supplement Recommendations:
The Altrient Liposomal Setria Glutathione Sachets provide 450mg of liposomal Setria Glutathione and an extra 500mg of phosphatidylcholine per sachet. It helps to boost glutathione levels as well as reactivating vitamins E and C to neutralise free radicals. It can also support the liver and kidneys by eliminating toxins. Glutathione has additional benefits such as being able to help brighten the skin and reduce inflammation.
Lipolife LLN2 Liposomal NMN helps to support cognitive health, energy, and stress with a gluten-free, sugar-free, soy-free, and ethanol-free formula. This is a nutrient that is not only beneficial for your immune health but helps to support your hair, skin, and nails.
By Saarah Mengrani, MSc Biotechnology
