How to Choose the Best Liposomal Vitamin C (More Risks + Benefits) (2023)

There is no doubt that vitamin C is of great benefit to the human body. However, how you consume vitamin C makes a big difference in how much your body can absorb and use (a property of all supplements called "bioavailability").

Liposomal (or proliposomal) vitamin C is an innovative option for high-dose vitamin C.

Between 14-30% of vitamin C consumed in supplement form is actually absorbed by the body. (Those 1) This number can vary widely based on your own vitamin C needs and the type of supplements you take. Eating five daily servings of vitamin C-rich raw foods such as berries, kiwi, broccoli, and citrus fruits will provide you with adequate vitamin C. Adding vitamin C supplements in the form of ascorbic acid, the equivalent form of vitamin C found naturally in Found in food will continue to raise blood levels, but natural absorption of vitamin C above an intake of about 200 mg decreases dramatically by up to 50% with increasing doses. (Those 2) This may be because our body uses certain vitamin C transporters in the small intestine called sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCT-1), which are only absorbed efficiently to a certain extent, and this absorption depends on our body The vitamin C level in the plasma (blood) is regulated. In addition, excess absorbed vitamin C is inevitably excreted in the urine to maintain reasonably tight control over plasma concentrations. This is where liposomal vitamin C comes in handy.

Liposomes are microscopic spheres that contain phospholipids and contain vitamin C at their core. Its uptake does not depend on vitamin C transporters like SVCT-1, but rather on the direct fusion of the liposome with the cells of the small intestine, resulting in a direct intracellular release of vitamin C, which enters the bloodstream. .

Liposomal Vitamin C not only acts essentialhigher absorption ratethan traditional vitamin C supplements, but it also has its own health benefits. This is due to the phospholipids used to coat or encapsulate vitamin C, the same mechanism that allows you to bypass the vitamin C slow transporters present in the gut. In this article, I discuss the definition of liposomes and how to choose the best liposomal supplement and possible side effects.

What are liposomes?

Liposomes are actually cell-like. The same phospholipids that make up cell membranes also make up the outer shell of liposomes. The inner and outer walls of the liposome are made up of phospholipids, most commonly phosphatidylcholine, to form a lipid bilayer. A double layer offPhospholipide(phospholipid bilayer) forms a sphere around an aqueous component (which contains water), such as dissolved vitamin C.

Liposomes were discovered in the 1960's. This new delivery system offers a specific method to get nutrients into the bloodstream without being destroyed by digestive enzymes and acids present in the digestive tract or stomach.

What is Liposomal Vitamin C?

In the case of liposomal vitamin C, these phospholipids encapsulate the vitamin C in their core.

As mentioned above, liposomes are thought to fuse with the cells responsible for absorbing nutrients that make up the intestinal lining called enterocytes. Because they bypass the normal mechanism of vitamin C absorption through slow-moving type 1 vitamin C receptors (SCVT-1 sodium-dependent vitamin C receptors), the bioavailability is much higher than traditional vitamin C supplements.Those 3)

Taking a liposomal form of vitamin C is much more effective and efficient in terms of absorption than traditional methods of vitamin C supplementation.

5 Benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C

Taking standard vitamin C (ascorbic acid) provides several benefits to the human body. These benefits can be enhanced by taking Liposomal C.

1. Bioavailability

The best understood benefit is that liposomal vitamin C has a much larger amountbioavailabilityals normal Vitamin C.

Bioavailable simply means how well vitamin C is absorbed into your system. As previously mentioned, a liposomal vitamin C supplement allows your small intestine to absorb more nutrients than a traditional vitamin C supplement.

A 2016 study of 11 people found that liposome-encapsulated vitamin C significantly increased blood levels of vitamin C compared to an unencapsulated (non-liposomal) supplement at the same dose (4 grams). (Those 4)

The bioavailability of liposomal vitamin C is only surpassed by intravenous (IV) vitamin C. Vitamin C IV, which is 100% bioavailable by definition, but is much more invasive, requiring needle insertion, a specially trained facility, and a slow infusion time of 1-3 hours.

High doses of IV vitamin C are most commonly used in conjunction withcancer treatmentand provide a pro-oxidant effect that can ONLY be achieved with very high IV doses of vitamin C. The pro-oxidant effect of high doses of IV vitamin C is very different from that of low doses of vitamin C, which provide antioxidant activity.

2. Heart and Brain Health

Vitamin C intake (through diet or supplements) can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by about 25%, according to a 2004 analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (Those 5)

Any form of vitamin C supplementation improves endothelial function as well as ejection fraction. (Those 6)

endothelial functioninvolves the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels, release of enzymes to control blood clotting, immunity and platelet adhesion.Ejection fractiondefines "the percentage of blood that is pumped (or ejected) from the ventricles" as the heart contracts with each beat.

Taken together, these results suggest that vitamin C may play an important role in preventing cardiovascular disease and improving heart health.

After a stroke or heart attack, it is important to heal tissue damaged by lack of oxygen. Once blood flow is restored, reoxygenation of cells that were previously deprived of oxygen leads to tissue damage called "reperfusion injury" and is accompanied by "excessive free radical formation." (Those 7)

When administered intravenously, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize and neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative stress caused by reperfusion. (Fuente 8)

In an animal study, liposomal vitamin C prevented reperfusion damage to brain tissue when administered before blood flow was restricted. (Fuente 9)

Although the blood levels achieved by IV vitamin C infusion are much higher than those of liposomal vitamin C, one study found that liposomal vitamin C was almost as effective as IV vitamin C in preventing tissue damage during reperfusion Research was conducted on 11 subjects who experienced temporary obstruction of blood flow to the arms by a tourniquet. (Those 4)

3. Krebs

Intravenous vitamin C can be used in high doses along with traditional chemotherapy to fight cancer. While it cannot eradicate cancer on its own, it can definitely improve the quality of life by boosting the energy and mood of many cancer patients.

In individual cases, IV vitamin C can even induce cancer regression. A 2014 review reports multiple reports of remission when IV vitamin C is used along with chemotherapy. (Those 10)

However, one should not rely on IV vitamin C to induce remission or treat the cancer alone, as these cases are isolated at best. However, vitamin C can be a great adjuvant (helper) in traditional cancer treatment.

Liposomal vitamin C has not been specifically tested in people with cancer. However, many cancer patients receiving IV vitamin C also use high doses of liposomal vitamin C between IV treatments. After intravenous administration of a high dose of vitamin C, it is not uncommon for blood levels to drop below normal in the days following the infusion fall (valley level). Therefore, it is strongly recommended to increase oral vitamin C intake between IV vitamin C infusions, particularly to prevent rebound of low plasma vitamin C levels.

4. Collagen Production

CollagenIt is the most abundant protein in our body, but our own natural collagen production begins to decline around the age of 25. Vitamin C is a cofactor in the enzymes that produce collagen, meaning it is necessary for the function and health of bones, blood vessels and joints where collagen is abundant. (Fuente 11). When vitamin C levels are low, e.g. B. in times of stress, infections, chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, autoimmune diseases that generate many free radicals and oxidative stress), there is less available for collagen production. Since collagen is the structural protein that holds us together, this can manifest itself in weaker joints, tendons, blood vessels and connective tissue. More superficially, weaker collagen can manifest itself as sagging skin with more wrinkles.

5. Oxidativer Stress

In general, all living things experience some level of oxidative stress. As a 2006 review put it:

"There is growing evidence that oxidative stress is associated with a variety of pathological conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammatory diseases, post-ischemic organ damage, diabetes mellitus, xenobiotic/drug toxicity, and rheumatoid arthritis." (font 12)

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is found in generous amounts in the human body. (Fuente 13)

Is Liposomal Vitamin C Really Effective?

Much thought has been given to liposomal vitamin C.

One of the most frequently asked questions about liposomal supplements is: is liposomal vitamin C a "scam"?

True liposomal or proliposomal supplements are non-toxic and can significantly increase your body's ability to absorb the nutrients they contain. Due to the large amount of equipment and technology required to produce them, liposomal supplements tend to be more expensive than traditional vitamin C, but they can be better absorbed. However, there is a lot of variability between products and a little preparation and knowledge helps.

How do we know which products are the "real" and effective liposomal vitamin C?

Different from the term"Lipos", the end„liposomal“unfortunately it is not well defined. Many products take advantage of this deficiency"liposomal"Definition.

A "liposome" is a spherical structure made up of a shell of phospholipids surrounded by water. At the center of a "liposome" is usually a major component, such as vitamin C or glutathione, which is also suspended in water.

"Liposomal", on the other hand, does not mean "liposome": these terms are not the same, although they sound similar. The term liposomal is (sometimes) used loosely to mean simply "fatty". Therefore, products containing only fat (lipids) and vitamin C mixed together can sometimes be referred to as "liposomal".

The usual lipid that forms liposomes is a "phospholipid".Phosphatidylcholinit is the most abundant phospholipid and the main building block of cell walls and the main component of the outer shell of liposomes. However, the lipid form used by some dietary supplements isNOa phospholipid, and it may simply be in the form of a fatty acid, which is not as effective.

Products that use fatty acids may be called "liposomal" vitamin C, but they may never result in liposome formation, even when exposed to water, since vitamin C is simply covalently bonded to a fatty acid.

The myth of the "fat-soluble" vitamin C ester

A perfect example of a product using the term "liposomal" is a type of vitamin C aVitamin-C-Ester. Usually marked as"Gordosoluble vitamin C", esters such as ascorbyl palmitate are marketed as "liposomes" but never result in the formation of an actual "liposome".

Here are some important facts about "fat-soluble" ascorbyl palmitate:

• Ascorbyl palmitate does not occur naturally. IT IS SYNTHETIC, made from the combination of palmitate (an ester, fat) with vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
• Ascorbyl palmitate is used as a "food preservative" to extend the shelf life of certain foods, medicines, and cosmetics.
• Ascorbyl palmitate is also known as "cetylascorbate"... (two different names for the same compound)
• Ascorbylpalmitatcontains ONLY 42.5% VITAMIN C
• Products with a claim"1600 mg Liposomal Vitamin C" with SOLO Ascorbyl Palmitate DELIVERS 680 mg of real Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

This last point is very important. Because ascorbyl palmitate is made by combining vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with palmitate (a fat), less than half is real vitamin C! (font 20,font 21).

Ascorbyl oleate is another vitamin C ester that is very similar to the compound ascorbyl palmitate, which binds oleate (another fat) to ascorbic acid.

The ester forms of vitamin C, such as ascorbyl palmitate, are easily digested when taken orally.by enzymes in the small intestine that immediately break the bondsimply release vitamin C (ascorbic acid molecule).and the ester, in this case palmitate, before absorption occurs.

When this digestion occurs, simple vitamin C is released from the ester andThere is no better intake compared to a standard vitamin C supplement.(font 15,font 16). The bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamin C esters is essentially identical to that of pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid). (Source 18)

Depending on the ingredient, the esters used can even have a negative effect.

Unlike natural vitamin C (ascorbic acid), ascorbyl palmitate can actually be toxic to UV-damaged skin cells, according to a study. (Fuente 17)

The conclusion is as follows: These "fat-soluble" forms of vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate, alscorbyl oleate, cetyl ascorbate) are rapidly digested before absorption occurs., which releases simple vitamin C in the small intestine. To add to the disappointment, "fat-soluble" vitamin C contains LESS THAN HALF the amount of real vitamin C (ascorbic acid)!

Unfortunately, not many people are aware of this, which leads to humble customers paying the highest price for a product that doesn't differ significantly from a standard vitamin C capsule or powder, but is associated with the term 'liposomal' is.

Because these forms are inexpensive to produce, they tend to be less expensive but offer very high doses per serving, e.g. B. 1,200-1,800 mg of vitamin C.

To answer the question, liposomal vitamin C is not a "scam", but not all products labeled as liposomal vitamin C actually offer the same benefits, especially those selling "fat-soluble" vitamin C esters.

How to choose the best liposomal vitamin C supplement

Several brands offer liposomal vitamin C supplements. Which liposomal vitamin C supplement is best?

There are two basic types of liposomal supplements that have to do with the formation of "liposomes". The first is alreadyliposome formedVitamin C and, while the other is aPro-Liposome. A pro-liposome is vitamin C that is chemically bound and contains phospholipids in a way that leads to the formation of a liposome in the presence of water at body temperature.

The easiest way to tell if a product is made from liposomes is if the ingredients contain water. If the ingredients contain water, liposomes are likely to form. If not, consider a pro-liposome. Make sure, however, that both contain phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine (derived from lecithin).

A pro-liposome has the potential to become a liposome when exposed to water, forcing the phospholipids to immediately clump together into a bilayer through natural hydrophobic forces, as described above.

In pro-liposomal powder form, vitamin C is surrounded (conjugated) by a layer of phospholipids and other fats in a special technical process, the effectiveness of which can vary greatly. How well this proprietary process of binding lipids to vitamin C works is critical because if lipids and vitamin C just mix (not bind), the formation of liposomes with vitamin C inside will be sporadic over time. best case, since vitamin C can easily be dispersed separately from the lipids.

Liquid proliposomes use lipids (fats) and vitamin C. Based on proprietary manufacturing techniques, these lipids form liposomes around the main ingredient when exposed to water and the right temperature conditions found in the intestinal environment.

The newly formed liposomes can be absorbed through the intestinal walls, released and processed by the liver, and released into the systemic circulation.

To reiterate, all "liposome" formulations (molded liposomes and proliposomes) use phospholipids,PhosphatidylcholinB. lecithin as a fat agent for the formation of liposomes.

Unfortunately, many vitamin C supplements labeled "liposomal" are actually unable to hold the lipid component and vitamin C together when exposed to water in the small intestine.

Make sure your vitamin C is from a good source. A good liposomal vitamin C supplement should be non-GMO and preferably contain phospholipids derived from sunflower lecithin.

Some customers even insist on knowing that vitamin C's origin is not Chinese, but this is a personal preference.

If that's important to you, check out Quali-C brand vitamin C, which is sourced and manufactured in Scotland from non-GMO European corn.

Of course, a liposomal vitamin C that also comes with a full money-back guarantee is a huge plus.

To sum up:Skip the gimmicks and buy a quality liposomal supplement by following these steps:

1. Choose a well-made liposomal or proliposomal supplement that contains vitamin C and phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine. Avoid vitamin C esters, "fat-soluble" vitamin C such as ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl oleate, or cetyl ascorbate, as they may offer little or no benefit over regular vitamin C.
2. Find the source of vitamin C. While most brands use Chinese vitamin C, Quali-C is a brand of vitamin C made in Scotland from non-GMO corn of European origin.
3. Make sure the supplement is non-GMO, soy, gluten, and dairy free.

Liposomal vitamin C dosage

The National Institutes of Health advises men and women never to take more than 2,000 milligrams of the dietary supplement vitamin C per day.

If there are particular health concerns, a higher dosage may be warranted. The Linus Pauling Center recommends a dose of 2,000 milligrams per day, which is generally very safe and may explain the lower absorbability in some people. The people who may benefit most from this high dose are the elderly and smokers, who also have higher vitamin C needs.

In general, 1000-2000 mg/day should provide the general health benefits of vitamin C:

• immunity
• brain health
• collagen production
• cardiovascular protection
• production of energy
• Higher presence of antioxidants

4,000 milligrams of liposomal vitamin C has been used to protect against oxidative damage that can occur after heart attack or stroke due to reperfusion.

While these results are very promising, I suggest sticking to the 2,000-milligram daily maintenance dose limit unless a doctor advises you to take a higher amount, or unless you have increased oxidative stress from a chronic illness. acute infection requiring higher doses.

Liposomal Vitamin C Side Effects:

Although a high dose of vitamin C isn't technically "toxic," it can cause side effects like nausea or diarrhea.

Interactions with other drugs

Vitamin C interacts with certain drugs or nutrients.

ADD and ADHD medication useAmphetamine. Vitamin C may weaken the effects of amphetamine-based drugs and limit their effects, although this finding has not been reproduced in humans. (Fuente 19)

in summary

• Liposomal Vitamin C is a revolutionary approach to getting Vitamin C into your system.
• Liposomes use a phospholipid bilayer formed around water and, in this case, vitamin C. The outer shell protects the inner nutrient from damage that might occur during normal digestion.
• The absorption of liposomal vitamin C is significantly greater than that of a standard vitamin C supplement.
• Liposomal vitamin C benefits include increased bioavailability, cardiovascular support, skin health, improved collagen production, and reduced oxidative stress throughout the body.
• Although many supplements are labeled "liposomal," some of them use esters of vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl oleate, and/or cetyl ascorbate), which do not actually increase the bioavailability of vitamin C and do not result in the formation of a liposome. .
• Standard doses of vitamin C range from 200 to 1000 mg/day. We recommend 2000 mg per day for most adults.

Fuentes

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