Liposomal supplements have increased in number in recent years and become very popular. Here we explain what the word liposomal means, the advantages and disadvantages, who it can be good for, and what you should consider when choosing a liposomal supplement.
A lipo-what??
Liposomes are microscopic fat particles made up of special molecules called phospholipids. Phospholipids resemble the membrane that surrounds every cell in the body and either allow or prevent the absorption of a substance into the cell.
Many years ago, researchers discovered that these liposomes could be filled with vitamins or medicine to more easily deliver the substance to the body's cells. Liposome technology protects these vitamins from breakdown and delivers the nutrients directly into the cells.
There are many scientific studies showing the benefits of liposomal vitamins; such as improved absorption, reduced stomach discomfort, and higher concentrations of the nutrient in the bloodstream and inside cells.
What are the benefits of liposomal dietary supplements?
The benefits of liposomal supplements are many according to the researchers and manufacturers who work with them. Here are the most central:
- High bioavailability and absorption; meaning a larger portion of the nutrients in the supplement is delivered to and can be used by the body's cells.
- Protects nutrients from the harsh environment in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Liposomes are effective for delivering both water-soluble and fat-soluble nutrients, e.g., vitamin C (water-soluble) and vitamin D (fat-soluble).
- Liposomes in liquid form are good if you have difficulty swallowing capsules.
- They provide the same effect at a lower dose compared to traditional supplements.
Are there any disadvantages to liposomal dietary supplements?
It’s not all gold and green forests – there are some disadvantages to liposomal supplements as well. These are:
- Higher costs; manufacturing liposomes is expensive, so these supplements cost more.
- The manufacturing process is difficult and not all supplements are made the same way. Therefore, quality, stability, and particle size can vary among manufacturers and affect the effectiveness. For this reason, we at Glimja are very careful in our choice of manufacturers and only sell the most effective and purest supplements we can find.
- Honestly, the liquid liposomes don’t taste very good. This can be a challenge if you are sensitive to that. A solution can be a liposomal supplement in capsule form, which has also started to appear from, for example, Holistic and Dr. Mercola.
Which nutrients are especially good to take liposomally?
In fact, liposomes can be used to deliver almost any nutrient. But there are certain substances that have become especially popular to take in this form. Either because it can be good to have larger doses of a certain substance or because it can be difficult to get it into the blood or into the cells by other means. The most common liposomal supplements are:
- Vitamin C: One of the first liposomal supplements to come on the market and one of the most popular. It can be excellent if you want to get large doses of vitamin C. The advantage of liposomal vitamin C is that you get higher absorption and a lower risk of a laxative effect compared to, for example, pure ascorbic acid.
- Vitamin D: The absorption of vitamin D can vary from person to person with traditional supplements. If you want to ensure good absorption or have a great need to replenish the body's stores, liposomal vitamin D can be a solution.
- Glutathione: One of the body’s most important antioxidants, but difficult to take as a supplement because it is not easily absorbed through digestion. With liposomal glutathione, you bypass that problem and the body can get extra of this substance when needed.
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): Another key antioxidant that can be difficult to get effectively through traditional supplements. In liposomal form, ALA is delivered directly to the body’s cells.
- Curcumin: Curcumin is an extract of turmeric that has become more and more popular as knowledge about this herb’s effects has increased. Liposomal Curcumin is a very concentrated and direct way to get this substance into the cells.
- **Coenzyme Q10: **Our need for the fat-soluble antioxidant and coenzyme Q10 increases as we get older. Liposomal Q10 guarantees absorption of this important nutrient.
- Vitamin B12: If you have a B12 deficiency, you may need an extra effective supplement in somewhat larger doses for a period to reach normal levels. B12 is also a substance whose absorption varies between individuals. Then liposomal B12 can be a good solution to ensure absorption.
Who are liposomal dietary supplements good for?
A liposomal supplement is worth considering if you:
- Know that you have low nutrient levels or extra need for a certain substance.
- Have difficulty swallowing capsules or pills.
- For some reason have low nutrient absorption (e.g., with stomach problems or burnout).
There are also specific occasions when a liposomal supplement can be good. For example, during cold seasons you might want to take a mega dose of vitamin C.
What should I consider when choosing a liposomal supplement?
The first thing you should think about is whether you need a certain nutrient specifically in liposomal form. It is a bit more expensive and in some cases a bit more cumbersome to take if you take them in liquid form because they need to be refrigerated after opening the bottle. But as we mentioned, they are usually very effective.
Therefore, we recommend liposomal supplements for special occasions, when you need extra or extra fast absorption of a certain substance, and traditional supplements for your other needs.
As mentioned above, quality is also important when it comes to liposomal dietary supplements – just like with all other supplements. So buy a brand you trust from a store you trust – for example, Glimja! ;). Feel free to ask our nutrition experts if you are wondering which supplement might be right for you!
