We also know that we can only get vitamin C through our diet. However, just because we\u2019re consuming a certain amount of vitamin C doesn\u2019t mean that the body is able to put that full amount to use within our cells.<\/span><\/p>This is where liposomal vitamin C comes in. Liposomal vitamin C is more absorbable and bioavailable in the body because the vitamin C is encased within liposomes, microscopic droplets surrounded by a lipid bilayer, the same kind of barrier as our cell membranes. This liposome makes the vitamin C fat soluble (instead of water soluble) and more easily transported into our cells, where it can be used.<\/p>
Let\u2019s break down the characteristics, benefits, any side effects, and answer some of the most common questions about liposomal vitamin C.<\/p>
What\u2019s the difference between standard vitamin C and liposomal vitamin C?\u00a0\u00a0\u201cRegular\u201d vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is what you\u2019ll find in most vitamin C supplements as a powder, tablet, or capsule.<\/p>
This type of vitamin C is water soluble, meaning it\u2019s absorbed in water. Although our bodies contain a lot of water, the structure of our cells is made of lipids\u2014fat. As we know, oil (fat) and water do not mix; they repel each other. This means that water soluble vitamin C is not absorbed very well into our cells where it is most needed.<\/p>
Only very low doses of standard vitamin C can be well absorbed by the body; the higher dosage you take, the lower the absorption rate! At the commonly recommended 1,000 mg dose, your body can absorb less than half of what you ingest. The rest is excreted mostly into the urine. This means that taking oral \u201cmegadoses\u201d of vitamin C isn\u2019t really doing you much good, not to mention can cause digestive upset.<\/p>
Liposomal vitamin C on the other hand, is still ascorbic acid, just encased in a liposomal form\u2014surrounded by a lipid bilayer that allows for easier access into the cell. This means that it is far more absorbable and bioavailable in the body, ready to be used as needed.\u00a0 As a supplement, you get more value out of a liposomal formula than a water soluble formula.<\/p>
Benefits of liposomal Vitamin C<\/p>
Liposomal vitamin C essentially has the same benefits of standard vitamin C, you\u2019re just more likely to notice the results due to its higher absorption ability. These are some of the primary areas in which vitamin C supports the body.<\/p>
Skin health
Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen, the structural \u201cglue\u201d that holds us together.* Collagen is essential for cellular integrity, helping to keep out pathogens and toxins from the cytoplasm and the cell nucleus, where they can cause real damage.
It\u2019s also what helps skin retain its smoothness, bounce, and elasticity. You\u2019ve probably heard dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts recommend a \u201cvitamin C serum\u201d\u2014this is why! [3, 4]<\/p>
Heart health
Vitamin C is our most essential antioxidant, protecting nutrient molecules like proteins and lipids from oxidative stress and damage.\u00a0 For heart health in particular, it inhibits oxidation of LDL-protein, which reduces atherosclerosis. It has also been linked in some studies to improvements in arterial stiffness, lipid profiles and endothelial function.<\/p>
Mood boost
Vitamin C helps synthesize neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, the chemical signals that regulate our mood.\u00a0 Real liposomal vitamin C can easily cross the blood brain barrier, where it can be immediately used for mental support and mood regulation.<\/p>
Without adequate vitamin C, researchers found that study participants had depressed mood and increased cognitive impairment.<\/p>
Immune support
We need strong immune systems more than ever, and vitamin C is your immune system champion. Research shows that vitamin C reduced the number of common colds by half in physically active people.<\/p>
Does liposomal Vitamin C have any side effects?
Standard vitamin C can easily cause digestive upset if taken in high doses. Liposomal vitamin C, however, since it is much more rapidly absorbed and used by the body, is far less likely to cause any side effects. Still, you should follow your health practitioner’s direction on a dose that is appropriate for you.<\/p>
Can you take too much liposomal Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is well known for causing gastrointestinal distress when taken in high doses. However, liposomal vitamin C minimizes this risk because it bypasses typical absorption constraints in the gut and is rapidly absorbed into the cells.\u00a0 \u00a0Though unlikely, liposomal vitamin C may initiate a Herxheimer reaction\u2013\u2013flu-like symptoms that can occur when the body begins to rapidly detoxify and the elimination systems become overwhelmed with the sudden toxic burden released from the tissues. If this occurs, simply cut back on your dosage or stop altogether until you recover. As always, consult with a healthcare professional if you have a reaction or concern using liposomal vitamin C.<\/span><\/p>\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t