Liposomal Delivery: What It Is and Why It Matters

When it comes to supplements, taking them is one thing, but being able to actually absorb and use them is another. That’s where liposomal delivery comes into the picture. This technology wraps nutrients in tiny, fat-like bubbles called liposomes, which are designed to mimic the structure of your own cell membranes. These spheres protect the delicate compounds inside against the harsh acids and enzymes in your digestive tract, allowing them to reach your bloodstream so they can be better absorbed and used by your body. (1)

This is especially important for nutrients that are notoriously hard to absorb in their natural forms, like green tea extract and glutathione, both of which are usually broken down before they can even make it into your system. (2, 3) Liposomal encapsulation works by shielding these compounds, ensuring that more of the active ingredients survive digestion and are delivered directly into the cells where they’re needed most. Plus, this delivery system may also offer other benefits, including fewer side effects, faster results, and lower dosing requirements.

Benefits of Liposomal Delivery

One major benefit of liposomal delivery is its ability to boost absorption. This makes a big difference for supplements that aren’t absorbed well by the body, including glutathione, an antioxidant with an oral bioavailability rate under 1%. (3) Similarly, studies estimate that less than 10% of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a powerful polyphenol found in green tea, actually makes it through your digestive system and becomes available for absorption. (4) Liposomes work to protect and shield these compounds as they pass through your digestive tract, increasing the amount that is able to enter your bloodstream and reach your cells.

Liposomal encapsulation supports faster and more targeted absorption as well. Because liposomes are made from phospholipids (the same material as cell membranes), they can fuse more easily with cells, delivering their contents directly inside. (5) Targeted liposomal delivery also allows supplements or medications to zero in on specific cells or tissues within the body more precisely, leaving the surrounding areas untouched. (6) In addition to enhancing the effectiveness of supplements, this could even decrease the amount of time it takes to experience benefits, whether your goal is to slow signs of aging or bump up energy levels.

Plus, because more of the ingredients are absorbed, you might not need to take as much to achieve the same (or better) results, meaning you may even spend less on supplements in the long run. (7) If you have a sensitive digestive system or experience side effects from certain supplements, this can be a big benefit. In fact, liposomal delivery is often used for over-the-counter supplements like iron, which is commonly associated with nausea and digestive distress. (8) Not only that, but scientists are even investigating this delivery method for prescription medications that are notoriously hard on the body, including those used to treat severe or chronic conditions. (6)

Liposomal Delivery in Action

Curious how this all plays out in the body? Here are a few studies highlighting what really happens when you take liposomal supplements and just how effective they can be:

• Vitamin C: In one human study, liposomal vitamin C was better absorbed than a standard vitamin C formulation and led to 27% and 20% higher peak concentrations in both plasma and leukocytes, respectively. (9)

• Iron: A study in 25 healthy adults found that liposomal delivery improved iron absorption from a multivitamin. More specifically, it led to 50% more total iron uptake over 6 hours and significantly higher blood levels at 4 and 6 hours compared to a regular multivitamin. (10)

• Green Tea Extract: A liposomal formulation of EGCG significantly improved its bioavailability and demonstrated strong neuroprotective effects in both cell and animal studies. (11)

• Glutathione: Studies show that liposomal formulations can help optimize the absorption of glutathione, an antioxidant that is typically not taken up by the cells due to its low bioavailability. (12) According to a human study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, liposomal supplementation increased glutathione levels in blood and immune cells within two weeks, reduced markers of oxidative stress, and enhanced immune function, including up to a 400% boost in natural killer cell activity. (13)

• Resveratrol: A study in cell cultures showed that liposomal delivery of resveratrol could enhance its antioxidant effects compared to standard formulations, increasing its ability to reduce reactive oxygen species, especially when combined with vitamin C. (14)

• Curcumin: In an animal model published in Molecules, liposomal curcumin was shown to be significantly more effective than a standard curcumin formula at improving diabetes-related biomarkers. (15)
  
  
  

Conclusion

Liposomal delivery can be a powerful tool to help enhance the bioavailability of nutrients that are otherwise difficult for the body to absorb, like green tea and glutathione. By protecting these ingredients as they pass through the digestive tract, liposomal technology ensures that they reach their intended target with greater efficiency. This can help you optimize your supplement routine and get the most bang for your buck, leading to fewer side effects and even more powerful benefits in the long run.