What is liposomal vitamin C?

Liposomal vitamin C is a form of vitamin C that is encapsulated in liposomes, which are small lipid particles. This encapsulation can enhance the bioavailability of vitamin C when consumed, particularly in higher doses. Traditional oral vitamin C supplements face limitations in absorption due to saturable transport mechanisms in the intestines, which restrict the maximum blood concentration achievable. Liposomal vitamin C, however, can achieve higher plasma concentrations compared to non-liposomal forms.

One key feature of liposomal vitamin C is that it can take longer to reach the peak vitamin C concentration in blood and has a longer half-life, suggesting an improved absorption and retention rate in the body. Studies show that higher doses of liposomal vitamin C can significantly increase blood vitamin C levels compared to the same doses of standard vitamin C. For instance, a 20-gram dose of liposomal vitamin C can increase plasma levels to approximately 320 micromoles per liter, and a 36-gram dose can increase it to 400 micromoles per liter, both of which are higher than what typical non-liposomal forms achieve1.