When it comes to choosing supplements that are good for your health, vitamin C is a staple. Necessary for maintaining healthy skin, cartilage, teeth, and bones, vitamin C is also involved in collagen formation, the absorption of iron, and boosting the immune system.
A new addition that has been making a name for itself on the supplement market is liposomal vitamin C. As the name suggests, it is a form of vitamin C, but you may be wondering how it differs and whether you need to add this nutrient to your list of supplements. Read on to learn more:
What is Liposomal Vitamin C?
Liposomes are tiny, nano-sized lipids or fat particles that are similar to the body’s own cell membranes, and are used to encapsulate and protect nutrients as they travel through the body.
Liposomal vitamin C (also known as lypo-spheric vitamin C) binds the vitamin C in a layer of fat, protecting it from harsh stomach acids. This allows for maximum absorption in the stomach and higher intestinal tract.
This article will take a deeper dive into this mystery vitamin and some of the benefits of incorporating it into your diet.
Increased Absorption
You would be forgiven for thinking that your vitamin C supplement is delivering 100% of the nutrients it contains.
When taken orally, about 70% to 90% of vitamin C is absorbed by the body, with the rest being excreted in the urine. Surprisingly, when doses are increased to greater than 1000mg, the absorption rate falls to just 50%.
On the other hand, liposomal vitamin C substantially increases the absorption of the vitamin into the body as it bypasses the gastrointestinal system, avoiding acid degradation in the stomach. The absorption of liposomal vitamin C is second only to administering the vitamin intravenously.
Less Risk of Side Effects
Traditional vitamin C supplements are not for everyone. Ascorbic acid can sometimes cause side effects in people such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue. Vitamin C can also lead to bowel discomfort and stomach cramps triggering diarrhea in some cases.
Due to the enhanced absorption of liposomal vitamin C by the body, the risk of toxicity is reduced as are side effects such as bowel discomfort or an upset stomach making this a great alternative for people with intolerance to traditional vitamin C supplements.
Anti-Aging Effects
As you age, the body produces less collagen, leading to drier, thinner skin and the appearance of wrinkles. Liposomal vitamin C can help with skin elasticity and smoothness due to its ability to protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals and harmful UV radiation from the sun. Its higher absorption rate in the body helps to promote collagen fibers. These are necessary for the production of hyaluronic acid and elastin, which are responsible for hydration and skin elasticity.
With all of these benefits, liposomal vitamin C can be a great addition to your anti-aging repertoire as well as your overall health.