What are Liposomal Supplements and How Do They Work?

Liposomal supplements use a cutting-edge delivery method that allows a greater number of the nutrients in a product to be absorbed by the body. Find out why we’ve chosen to include liposomal delivery in our anti-aging products.

Why liposomal supplements?

Did you know that your body only absorbs and uses a certain amount of nutrients from the food and supplements that we consume? The rest, quite literally, is flushed away. 

Just how much a nutrient is used varies from person to person depending on how their body responds and what product they use. The nutrients we take in have to go through the body’s digestive system. 

At almost every point from our mouths to our colons, digestive juices are released to break-down the substances ingested so that they can be absorbed and used by our bodies. These juices are highly potent and not only break down food but also kill bacteria and viruses. 

However, the downside to this effective system is that supplements like vitamin tablets are broken down so quickly that the full quantity of the supplement doesn’t get to the intended organ and cells. So, just because a vitamin supplement claims to have 500mg, doesn’t mean that your body will absorb all 500mg. 

This is one of the reasons why we’ve decided to add liposomal supplements to our product list. As you’ll discover, vitamins and nutrients that are taken via liposomal delivery methods are more readily absorbed and used by the body.

Are supplements important for our health?

Although many of us try to eat a balanced diet and practice healthy habits, it’s not always possible to get all the nutrients that we need for optimal health. Sometimes, your body needs extra support because of aging and factors such as living fast-paced, highly stressful lives. 

A good example of this would be glutathione. This molecule is a very important antioxidant manufactured by our bodies. But it's levels decline with age which reduces the protection that this antioxidant provides. By taking glutathione in supplement form, we can keep the levels from dropping. 

However, as previously mentioned, regular supplements are ineffective in sufficiently replenishing the blood glutathione levels because they degrade during digestion. So, in order to effectively supplement with glutathione, it’s essential to take a supplement in a form that’s easily absorbed by the body.  

This is where liposomal supplements shine. This breakthrough delivery system using liposomes allows the body to absorb 20 to 100 times more than conventional supplements, making it more effective in replenishing glutathione levels. Read more about this critical antioxidant in: What Is Glutathione and Why Is It Anti-Aging?

Youth & Earth has a liposomal Glutathione that offers unprecedented bioavailability.

Interested in antioxidants? You might like to read Berberine the Super Antioxidant and Why Polyphenols Are Good for You.

What are liposomes?

Liposomes are the heart of liposomal encapsulation technology (LET). What is LET? Liposomal encapsulation technology consists of microscopic healthy fat particles made up of phospholipids along with water-soluble vitamins and minerals. 

Phospholipids mirror the membranes around every cell within our body. It’s the cell membranes that either allow or inhibit the absorption of a nutrient or compound. 

Liposomes are microscopic fat particles that form a membrane made of phospholipid molecules. The liposomes’ structure is hollow and enclosed by a phospholipid double layer that makes them effective carriers of drugs and nutrients directly to the bloodstream and cells. 

The phospholipid molecule has a hydrophilic head (attracted to water) and a hydrophobic tail (repelled from water).  

This unique structure makes the molecule morph into a hollow structure when immersed in water or an aqueous solution. Therefore, if a vitamin or nutrient is mixed with the phospholipids, the liposome would have the vitamin suspended and sealed inside the liposome.

The liposomes protect the nutrients from degradation by the digestive juices in the gut and the molecule ends up in the intestines where they enter the bloodstream. 

Due to the liposomes having a similar structure to the cell membrane, it’s easily absorbed and the nutrients that it contains are released into the cell. Liposomal supplements have a greater bioavailability and absorption rate. 

What is bioavailability?

Bioavailability is the fraction of an administered dose of unchanged drug that becomes available in the bloodstream and tissues for ready absorption. Vitamins, drugs, or minerals have different bioavailabilities. Some are easily absorbed, others need a boost and still, others aren’t fully absorbed if there’s another nutrient present. In general, bioavailability depends on factors such as:

  • The delivery method: In some cases, capsules can be more effective than tablets. Or sublingual (under the tongue) can be more effective than capsules. For example, our sublingual NMN powder enters the bloodstream within seconds.
  • The health of the body and age: Individuals at the age of 60 and above may have problems absorbing nutrients like Vitamin B12 and magnesium.
  • Circadian rhythm: Some supplements need to be taken at a particular time of the day for maximum absorption.
  • Gastrointestinal health: Conditions such as Crohn’s and Irritable Bowel Syndrome affect the absorption of nutrients by the body.
  • The presence of other nutrients: Fats from foods like avocado can improve carotenoid absorption. Whereas calcium supplements make absorption of iron difficult.

To find out more about NMN and how it may slow aging, read: What is NMN and Are There Any Side Effects?

Liposomal Supplements vs Traditional Oral Supplements 

Regular supplements don’t have the necessary guard against digestive enzymes and juices from the mouth to the intestines (where they are absorbed into the bloodstream). This means your cells aren’t getting the dosage prescribed for them to receive. 

One might be tempted to take an extra dosage than normal to reap the benefits of a particular supplement. However, this puts you at risk of overdose which can lead to digestive problems such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. 

This presents a conundrum as some nutrients like vitamin C need to be taken in higher dosages to aid in heart health. Liposomal delivery provides a viable solution to this problem because of its high bioavailability and effective absorption that presents with little to no side effects. 

The benefits of liposomal supplements

As you can see, there are many benefits to choosing liposomal supplements. These are the reasons why we’ve decided to add liposomal supplements to our range of longevity-boosting products:

  • Enhanced bioavailability and absorption of nutrients to target cells.

  • They are non-invasive. It eliminates the discomfort linked with injections.

  • Increases intracellular delivery

  • They are cost-effective. Liposomes provide effect for a lower dose compared to traditional methods.

  • They are an alternative for those who struggle to take capsules or tablets.

  • They can deliver both hydrophilic (water-soluble) and hydrophobic (fat-soluble) compounds.

  • They have fewer side effects associated with regular oral supplements

In conclusion

Liposomal supplements are true game-changers in how nutrients get delivered to our bodies. Liposomes have been used to enhance the delivery and absorption of magnesium, vitamin C, glutathione, and curcumin, with clinical trials venturing into antibiotics and anticancer drugs. 

Because of their increased absorption and availability and the benefits above, we will be introducing liposomal supplements to our shelves soon so keep an eye out for our new products. 

Our current products have been designed for maximum absorption and to support your body and immune system. Find out more about our products.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.