The Difference between Liposomal C and Vitamin C

Vitamin C is perhaps the most common supplement on the market. Esteemed for its immune-boosting benefits, you likely already have this nutrient in your medicine cabinet.*

If you’re looking to buy vitamin C, you’re faced with multiple options. One of the newer products on the market is liposomal vitamin C, which is getting a lot of attention for being more bioavailable and effective.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to supplementation, and this goes for choosing your vitamin C. Liposomal C can be an ideal option for some, particularly those with digestive distress or absorption issues, people who can’t take or prefer not to swallow pills, or anyone with another medical reason to avoid pills and tablets. However, a non-liposomal vitamin C can be the best choice for others, and high quality is essential for both options.

Benefits of Vitamin c

Along with supporting immune function, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays many significant roles in the body, from supporting immune function to maintaining normal iron levels.*

strengthens immune function

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that promotes a strong immune system, protects cells from free radical damage, and supports normal inflammation.* This vital nutrient also boosts lymphocytes and phagocytes, which are white blood cells that are vital to a healthy immune system and protect against infection.*^[1]

promotes heart health

Optimal vitamin C levels have been shown to maintain a healthy blood pressure, although more human studies are needed.* Some research also suggests that vitamin C supplementation might promote balanced cholesterol and other markers that can impede heart health.*^[2]

supports healthy iron levels

We need Vitamin C to properly absorb iron, as it assists the conversion of plant-based iron sources into a more absorbable form. Especially for vegetarians, it’s important to discuss vitamin C supplementation with your doctor or ensure a diet high in vitamin C-rich foods.

liposomal c: what's all the hype about?

Liposomal delivery is a newer nutrient-delivery system amongst other forms of liquid vitamins that is thought to offer superior bioavailability and better absorption than traditional vitamin C supplements.

Lipids are a wide range of molecules that includes triglycerides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, and they cannot be absorbed in water. For this reason, lipids play a vital role in supporting cellular membranes’ function and structure.

Liposomes are tiny, fat-soluble vesicles made from lipids and used in liposomal supplement delivery to encapsulate and deliver active ingredients. Since the gastrointestinal tract presents extremely harsh and acidic conditions, liposomal delivery is thought to protect nutrients better than traditional methods.

One study specifically looking at liposomal C found higher concentrations of the vitamin in the body when compared to a non-liposomal vitamin C. It was suggested that liposomal delivery increased intracellular delivery, and provided higher bioavailability.^[3]

Beyond potential boosted absorption, liposomal C doesn’t have any other unique benefits over other forms. It is perhaps even more critical that you choose a high-quality brand that uses safe and natural sweeteners and preservatives in their liposomal C products. All liquid vitamins naturally grow bacteria, so preservatives are necessary. The quality of these preservatives and sweeteners matters, and some companies use artificial sweeteners and other potentially harmful additives and fillers, which you always want to avoid.

related content: how liposomal vitamin c can optimize healthy outcomes

non-liposomal vitamin c benefits

You also have a lot to consider when it comes to vitamin C in pill and tablet form. Ascorbic acid— or one of its salts, such as calcium or sodium ascorbate— is a common form of vitamin C in many supplements. These supplements seem to work particularly well for respiratory support.*

While supplements are a great way to make sure you’re consuming vitamin C, foods are hands-down the best source for maintenance levels. In addition to vitamins, whole foods offer vital nutrients, enzymes, fiber, and other compounds to enhance absorption. Those especially high in vitamin C include rose hips, bell peppers, oranges, kale, broccoli, and kiwis.

vitamin c dosage

In cases of low immune function, high stress or other issues, higher doses of vitamin C might be helpful.*

Many doctors feel comfortable recommending two to three grams of vitamin C daily, but it’s always important to discuss this with your practitioner. Vitamin C tends to be poorly absorbed, making it another great candidate for liposomal delivery.

conclusion

Liposomal encapsulation seems to be an ideal delivery method for vitamin C. Look for a high-quality brand that uses natural sweeteners and preservatives and meets all quality standards, and discuss the correct personalized dosage with your practitioner.

[1]  https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/7/1/article-p1.xml

[2]  Knekt P, Ritz J, Pereira MA, O'Reilly EJ, Augustsson K, Fraser GE, Goldbourt U, Heitmann BL, Hallmans G, Liu S, Pietinen P, Spiegelman D, Stevens J, Virtamo J, Willett WC, Rimm EB, Ascherio A. Antioxidant vitamins and coronary heart...: a pooled analysis of 9 cohorts. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Dec;80(6):1508-20. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/80.6.1508. PMID: 15585762.

[3]  Davis, J. L., Paris, H. L., Beals, J. W., Binns, S. E., Giordano, G. R., Scalzo, R. L., Schweder, M. M., Blair, E., & Bell, C. (2016). Liposomal-encapsulated Ascorbic Acid: Influence on Vitamin C Bioavailability and Capacity to Protect.... Nutrition and metabolic insights, 9, 25–30. https://doi.org/10.4137/NMI.S39764