The Ultimate Guide to Liposomal Vitamin C

Immune support has always been a top priority—and for good reason. With the winter months upon us, it’s now especially important to find ways to promote immunity. 

Vitamin C is a nutrient best known for its unique ability to support immune health.* But not all vitamin C supplements are created equal. 

Liposomal vitamin C allows for maximum assimilation and ensures that the dosage you need is absorbed and utilized by the body. Traditional methods of vitamin C encapsulation, like tablets or capsules, are likely to be impeded by mucus coating the GI tract, which prevents the complete adhesion of molecules passing through the harsh gastrointestinal environment. Some experts suggest that roughly 20% of vitamin C actually makes it into the bloodstream with these administration methods.

Thankfully, liposomal vitamin C changes this outcome and offers an alternative that will get you and your patients results.

Why is vitamin c important?

Vitamin C is best known for its immune-supporting properties, but it also offers a slew of lesser-known health benefits. This powerful antioxidant provides the following advantages:

Supports Cardiovascular Health*

Optimizing vitamin C levels in the body has been shown to maintain a healthy heart.* Normal cholesterol levels might also be supported by vitamin C supplementation, a known marker for heart health.*¹

Promotes Healthy Iron Levels

Vitamin C is essential to absorbing and maintaining healthy iron levels, as it plays a key role in converting plant-based iron to a more bioavailable form. Iron deficiency is common in vegans and vegetarians, and many integrative practitioners recommend vitamin C supplementation along with vitamin C-rich foods, like citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, for people following these diets. 

Strengthens the Immune System*

A robust immune system depends on vitamin C—a potent antioxidant—to protect cells from excessive free radical damage and help maintain normal inflammation pathways.* Vitamin C has been shown to increase white blood cells, phagocytes, and lymphocytes, which play a significant role in the maintenance of good health.*²

Supports normal blood uric acid levels*

Blood uric acid levels are essential for maintaining healthy joints. Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to help maintain normal uric acid levels, keeping joints healthy and comfortable.*³

What is Liposomal vitamin c?

Now that you know the impressive array of benefits offered by vitamin C, it’s important to understand that, like many supplements, the quality and method of administration make a significant difference in the benefits a supplement can provide.

When it comes to supplement absorption, all nutrients must pass through the harsh conditions of the GI tract. Typically, only a small fraction of the recommended dosage is assimilated by the body. This questionable rate of absorption means that practitioners often struggle to find the proper dosage for their patients, as it’s difficult to know precisely how much will be absorbed by the body. The absorption rate is also a challenge, and traditional vitamin C supplements aren’t designed for quick delivery. Especially in the case of immune challenges, maximum absorption is fundamental for the supplement to have a beneficial effect. 

Liposomes are small, fat-soluble vesicles made from lipids that are used to create liposomal vitamin C and other liposomal products. Thanks to their mucoadhesive properties, the liposomal delivery method of vitamin C increases the chance of more rapid and optimal absorption, leading to improved outcomes.

Benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C vs. Traditional Vitamin C Supplements

Gastrointestinal tract conditions can quickly erode a supplement’s vitamin C content, preventing the body from receiving its full range of benefits. Research suggests that liposomal preparation stabilizes encapsulated nutrients against chemical adversaries in the gut, like enzymes, changes in pH, shifts in ionic strength, chemical modification, and temperature fluctuations. The GI tract’s mucus layer is lipid-based, so a liposome can more easily attach itself and successfully deliver its active ingredient—i.e. vitamin C—more effectively.

How to Begin Taking Liposomal Vitamin C

With any supplement, it’s vital to discuss appropriate and safe supplementation with your integrative practitioner. Liposomal vitamin C quality is also crucial to successful supplementation, as some liposomal supplements are produced with artificial sweeteners and other unfavorable ingredients.

final thoughts

Liposomal supplement delivery is truly a groundbreaking discovery that seems to greatly increase nutrient bioavailability. Liposomal vitamin C avoids adverse GI tract conditions, often leading to better outcomes and efficacy. When taking this powerful antioxidant, discuss dosage with your practitioner based on your needs and desired results.

[1] 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 disease risk: 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.

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

[3] Gao X, Curhan G, Forman JP, Ascherio A, Choi HK. Vitamin C intake and serum uric acid concentration in men. J Rheumatol. 2008 Sep;35(9):1853-8. Epub 2008 May 1. PMID: 18464304; PMCID: PMC2853937.