What is Liposomal Vitamin C and is it Better than Regular Vitamin C?

Vitamin C Basics

Vitamin C is one of the most well-known and widely used supplements worldwide and has a well-established and scientifically validated reputation as a potent antioxidant and immune function stimulant. As an essential water-soluble micronutrient, vitamin C must be replenished daily – via food and/or supplementation – to avoid deficiency due to the transient nature of water-soluble vitamins. An adequate intake of vitamin C strengthens, immunity, protects against free radical damage, and ensures the growth and repair of the body’s tissues, as well as supports the health and maintenance of the skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.

Low Bioavailability of Natural Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is the natural form of vitamin C and is found in a variety of foods - most notably citrus fruits, acerola cherries, rosehips, kiwis, and many other fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, however, the absorption efficiency of natural vitamin C from food is highly dependent on the amount ingested and can vary widely. At low doses (20 mg), absorption can reach nearly 100%, whereas, at higher doses (12 g), only 16% is absorbed. The bioavailability of ascorbic acid increases at doses between 30 mg and 100 mg, however, drops again at higher intakes.

When it comes to supplements, only 14-30% of ascorbic acid can be absorbed by the body. This is problematic because intakes over 500 mg daily are required to achieve plasma saturation and to maximize antioxidant protection, yet when we get into doses of 1000 mg + daily, ascorbic acid tends to cause gastrointestinal distress, nausea, and diarrhea.

This is where Liposomal vitamin C comes in.

An Introduction to Liposomal Vitamin C

Liposomal vitamin C, unlike standard vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which is water-soluble, delivers the vitamin in tiny droplets of fat (or more precisely, fatty acids), which are manufactured from cholesterol and other fats. One of the biggest advantages of liposomes is that they are similar to our cells – meaning that the makeup of cell membranes resembles the outer shell of liposomes. Because of this, liposomes can "fuse" with our cells upon contact, and deliver the liposome's content directly to said cell. Just as importantly, liposomes serve as delivery vehicles that transport substances into the body by facilitating absorption directly in the mouth and/or preventing breakdown by stomach acid and enzymes.

Liposomal Technology

It’s worth noting that liposomes are by no means a new innovation – they’ve been used to encapsulate all sorts of pharmaceutical medicines including vaccines, cancer drugs, and gene therapies, as well as myriad vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for years, and they’ve been proven to be very effective.

Thus, because liposomal vitamin C delivers the nutrient encased in tiny fat particles, it is far easier to absorb in the stomach and intestinal tract, and the bioavailability is much higher than standard vitamin C supplements.

Benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C

So, besides bioavailability, absorption, and direct cell delivery, what are some of the other benefits of liposomal vitamin C? Well, liposomal vitamin C is better at raising plasma vitamin C to normal and healthy levels, than regular ascorbic acid, which, in turn, increases our antioxidant protection, boosts our immune system, supports our skin health, stimulates collagen production, facilitates protein synthesis, promotes healthy aging (skin and organs), and protects our cardiovascular and neurological health.

Liposomal Vitamin C Supplements

If you’ve chosen to try liposomal vitamin C, you’ll find there are quite a few different options to choose from. Some feature vitamin C in the form of ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl oleate, or cetyl ascorbate, but these do not seem to offer the same level of bioavailability as pro-liposomal forms. One of the best pro-liposomal vitamin Cs on the market is the Naturopathic Labs liposomal vitamin C that provides sodium ascorbate in a sunflower phospholipid and MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) base, for optimal bioavailability and absorption.

While one might expect that liposomal vitamin C would only be offered in liquid form, it is, in fact, also available in capsules, caplets, and even in convenient homogenized, freeze-dried powder form. Liposomal C can be purchased both in stores and online in Canada, from a variety of different brands.

How Much Liposomal Vitamin C Should I Take Daily?

Liposomal vitamin C supplements, given their form, can be taken with or without food, without affecting absorption. There is no best time of day to take liposomal vitamin C, however, it's important to note that vitamin C, in and of itself, does boost energy, so taking it late in the evening can potentially disturb sleep.

The recommended dose range for vitamin C is usually 500 to 1000 mg taken once or twice daily according to health status, though higher clinical doses may be recommended on a case-by-case basis. Given that liposomal C has a higher bioavailability, the recommended dose range is usually closer to 1,000 mg daily, though some studies have shown that a dose between 1 to 4 g daily is especially effective for those seeking to raise plasma levels of vitamin C. For chronic infections and adjunctive therapies, health care practitioners may recommend up to 10,000 mg daily in divided doses.

Side Effects Associated with Liposomal Vitamin C

There aren't any specific side effects associated with the liposomal form of vitamin C, but there are certain side effects associated with vitamin C in general. These include:

• Flushing
• GI symptoms – cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Heartburn
• Headache

You’re more likely to experience side effects with high doses of vitamin C, especially if taken in one large dose, so it's typically recommended to divide your total daily dose up into 2 to 3 individual doses. It is worth noting, however, that ascorbic acid is the form most associated GI side effects.

About National Nutrition

National Nutrition is Canadian natural health retailer. They offer a diverse range of supplements, vitamins, health foods, natural beauty products and essential oils. We carry over 400 top brands and our staff is extremely knowledgeable. They have a unique, user-friendly website to enhance the customers experience with our very own points system! National Nutrition is an award winning retailer, voted as the best health food store in Canada by the experts at the Canadian Health Food Association and believe in the power of helping people naturally. Their youtube channel and website are packed with articles and videos with up-to-date information to help keep you informed; after all, knowledge is health.

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