Vitamin C (ascorbic acid<\/a>) is crucial for health, although the human body cannot make its own and must obtain it from diet or supplements. Many people take vitamin C supplements as part of a strategy to improve collagen<\/a> production, immunity, antioxidants, and general wellness [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n One of the problems with supplemental vitamin C is that very little of what is ingested is absorbed into the bloodstream. With higher doses, the majority of vitamin C stays in the gut and is eventually eliminated [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Liposomal vitamin C is a recent development that contains the same active ingredient as regular vitamin C supplements, but with a specially designed delivery system [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Liposomes are small spherical particles<\/b> with an outer layer made of fats similar to those in our cell membrane (phospholipids in the labeled \u201cbilayer membrane\u201d on the image).<\/p>\n The inside of each small sphere (\u201cinner aqueous compartment\u201d in the image) is protected by this bilayer and filled with water and vitamin C<\/b>. According to the product\u2019s proponents, this may allow liposomal vitamin C to fuse directly with cells in the gut, thereby allowing the vitamin C to be absorbed more quickly and effectively [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Liposomal vitamin C is designed to have better bioavailability<\/b>, which means that more of the consumed vitamin C should be taken up into the body, the bloodstream, and ultimately tissue. Some liposomal drugs have been found to be absorbed significantly better than their conventional counterparts, though this new technology is not without drawbacks [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In one study of 11 adults, the bioavailability of conventional and liposomal vitamin C was almost twice that of conventional tablets, but less than intravenous injection [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The majority of liposomal vitamin C products have 3 components:<\/p>\n All these ingredients are recognized by the United States Food and Drug Administration as safe and non-toxic. The exact composition may vary between manufacturers, but most contain only these ingredients. If you choose to use liposomal vitamin C, make sure to read the label and check for any surprises [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n New liposomes are being developed with other natural compounds, such as medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). MCFAs may grant liposomal vitamin C a longer half-life [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Conventional vitamin C tablets and powders, on the other hand, can contain numerous additional ingredients that help during the tablet-making process, such as fillers (hypromellose), lubricants (magnesium<\/a> stearate), flavors, stabilizers, and silica. These are widely considered safe in the quantities used in supplement manufacturing, but many people choose to avoid them.<\/p>\n Liposomal vitamin C absorbed in the gut when taken orally or through the skin if applied as a cream or ointment. Once absorbed, it is broken down in cells and converted into hydroxyproline<\/b>, which is used by the body to make collagen and connective tissue [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant in human cells by neutralizing harmful oxidative compounds. It reduces oxidative stress<\/a>, supports metabolism and nutrient absorption, and assists in the production of neurotransmitters [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Vitamin C is more specifically involved in breaking down tyrosine<\/a> and carbohydrates, making folic acid<\/a>, building lipids and proteins, energy production, immunity, and fighting off infections. Check out our article about the overall benefits of vitamin C here<\/a>, or see the full list of binding targets here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Due to a relative lack of high-quality clinical research, the FDA has not approved liposomal vitamin C for any of the medical uses described in this section. Further human studies will be required. Talk to your doctor before using liposomal vitamin C for any reason.<\/p>\n Stroke, heart attack, and other serious health complications can arise when the supply of oxygen is blocked. After the initial shock and damage of a stroke or heart attack, doctors will try to revive the tissue with new blood (reperfusion)<\/b>. However, the abrupt flow of new oxygen can further damage the injured tissues, termed \u201cischemia-reperfusion injury\u201d [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A handful of clinical trials have suggested that intravenous vitamin C may mitigate the damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury. Since liposomal vitamin C is absorbed at a similar rate to intravenous vitamin C, it is being investigated as an option to prevent injury while restoring the damaged tissues [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In one study, 11 middle-aged, overweight participants (with high baseline oxidative stress) underwent a simulation of reperfusion injury on their arm. Liposomal vitamin C was nearly as effective as the gold standard, IV administration, in preventing tissue damage [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In another study on this type of injury in rats, liposomes with both vitamin C and E <\/b>prevented damage in brain tissue [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Liposomal vitamin C has very little clinical evidence (compared to intravenous vitamin C) to back up its use in ischemia-reperfusion injury so far. Given the positive initial findings, further studies are likely to be conducted.<\/p>\n Do not attempt to administer intravenous vitamin C to either yourself or someone else. If you suspect that you or a loved one is having a heart attack or stroke, seek medical attention immediately.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Better Absorption?<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Components<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Function of Vitamin C<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Potential Benefits (Possibly Effective)<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
1) Complications of Stroke and Heart Attack<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
2) Skin Health<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n