The liposomal approach is defined as a bioavailability revolution. But what exactly is meant by the term liposomal? Liposomal products are dietary supplements or active ingredients that are enclosed in liposomes and can therefore be better absorbed by the human body.
In our article on the term liposomal you will find all the important information about this topic. We have explained to you what it is all about and selected some products for you, as well as advantages and disadvantages. We hope to help you decide if a liposomal product is right for you.
the essentials in brief
- With liposomal products, the active ingredient or dietary supplement is enclosed in liposomes and administered to the body in this way.
- Liposomal products have a higher bioavailability and thus ensure that the substance can be better absorbed by the human body.
- Liposomal products can be taken in different dosage forms. For example, you can take it in liquid form or in capsule form.
Glossary entry: The term liposomal explained in detail
The term liposomal is not a product or dietary supplement per se. Rather, it encompasses the meaning of an active ingredient being entrapped in liposomes. This process is also known as synthesis. The liposomal process always means that your body can absorb the substance better and is not broken down by saliva or stomach acid, for example.
Liposomal products include, for example, a dietary supplement encapsulated in liposomes. This ensures that your body can absorb the substance easily through the cell membrane (Halacious / Unsplash).
In principle, you can buy liposomal products anywhere. There are a wide variety of designs and dosage forms, such as liposomal vitamin C or OPC. In the following article we have selected and presented some liposomal products for you so that you can get a holistic overview of the topic.
What does liposomal mean?
As previously mentioned, liposomal means that a liquid is encapsulated in liposomes. This procedure is intended to help ensure that the substance contained can be better absorbed by the human body and is not broken down by saliva or gastric acid and loses its content.
Liposomal products increase bioavailability and enable better absorption of the dietary supplements.
In general, liposomal absorption is considered a bioavailability revolution because it is very effective and has few side effects. Nevertheless, you should pay attention to the seller and the quality of the products, as there are also some on the market that are not of good quality and, in the worst case, have no effect.
What is a liposome?
Liposomes are mainly made up of lipids. A liposome basically encapsulates a watery liquid, an active substance, thereby making the substance more easily absorbed by the human body. Due to the bilayer system, liposomes have gained a lot of attention and are often used as drug carriers. (1)
But dietary supplements are also increasingly being enclosed in liposomes in order to be better absorbed by the human body and to get into the bloodstream. (2)
Which liposomal products are there?
There are different types of products that have used liposomal absorption. We have selected a few for you below. There may be the right product for you.
- Liposomal vitamin B complex: The vitamins contained are, for example, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B4 and B6. Vitamin B is responsible for the energy metabolism and for the regulation of pain perception.
- Liposomal Melatonin: This product particularly helps with sleep problems. It is also often used for jet lag to get some rest.
- Liposomal D3 + K2: With the help of this product, vitamin D3, which promises solar energy, and K2 as well as magnesium are administered.
For example, one study examines the effect of liposomal vitamin E on cancer. It turns out to have anti-cancer effects. However, further studies are needed to obtain a holistic overview. (3)
In addition, another study will examine the effect of liposomal vitamin E on the skin by encapsulating the vitamin E in liposomes to improve local delivery. (4)
What are the advantages and disadvantages of forming liposomal products?
Liposomal products offer both advantages and disadvantages. In the following we have given you an overview of the different advantages and disadvantages.
What are the benefits of liposomal products?
Liposomal products have a few advantages that we would like to explain to you at this point.
| Advantages | short description |
|---|---|
| stronger effectiveness | In general, liposomal products are more effective because the active ingredient is enclosed in liposomes. |
| bioavailability | Liposomal products have a higher bioavailability than normal dietary supplements. |
In general, liposomal products help to deliver the active ingredient to the body faster and easier due to the liposomes. Therefore, liposomal products show stronger potency.
They also claim a higher bioavailability than normal dietary supplements. In this way, the substance can be better absorbed by the human body and the substance is not broken down in advance by saliva or stomach acid.
Studies have also examined the benefits of liposomes. For example, one study examines the effect of liposomal products of chemotherapeutic agents on tumors. In this study, a general overview of the liposomal delivery systems is given. (5)
What are the disadvantages of liposomal products?
Liposomal products offer a number of advantages. But now the question arises as to the disadvantages. Here we have selected a few of them for you, even if they are relatively small.
| Disadvantages | short description |
|---|---|
| Expensive | In general, liposomal products are more expensive. For example, liposomal B vitamin products are more expensive than those without this approach. |
| durability | Liquid liposomal products tend to have a shorter shelf life, so once opened they must be used quickly. |
Unlike original supplements, liposomal products are more expensive. However, if you are looking for products with higher bioavailability and potency, liposomal products may be right for you.
In addition, liposomal products differ from normal dietary supplements in terms of their shelf life. In liquid form, for example, they do not last as long and must be used up quickly after opening.
What is the shelf life of liposomal products?
In general, liposomal products have a shorter shelf life. However, the shelf life may vary depending on the type of product. For example, there are differences depending on whether the product is liquid, consists of capsules or liquid sticks.
Liquid liposomal products, for example, have a shelf life of approx. 3-6 months unopened. If you have already opened your product, you should store it in a cool place and use it within 6 weeks, otherwise it may lose its effectiveness.
Can liposomal products be harmful to health?
Basically, liposomal products have a higher bioavailability and are therefore the opposite of harmful to health. The liposomes consist of a layer of fat that the human body also has. When contact is established, they merge with one another.
Liposomal products have a high bioavailability.
As a result, the active ingredient or dietary supplement contained can be quickly and easily absorbed by the body, which means high bioavailability.
Dietary supplements that cannot be easily absorbed by the human body due to their chemical properties can be better absorbed by the body through this procedure.
In addition, care products with liposomes can also be used. They provide the skin with a lot of moisture and can even double the moisture content of the skin. They also help to avoid or reduce blemishes and pimples and help you achieve clear skin.
At this point, however, you should inform yourself more precisely, as these are often not recommended in combination. You should therefore avoid perfumes or chemical cosmetics, as this can otherwise be harmful. If you are thinking about using care products with liposomes, you should first research the topic and possible side effects.
Conclusion
In this article we have given you an initial overview of liposomes and liposomal products. Because the substance is enclosed in the liposomes, the body can absorb the substance better.
You can take liposomal products in different dosage forms. Many dietary supplements such as vitamin B complex or melatonin are offered on the market with the liposomal approach.
Consuming liposomal products makes the most sense if you expect a high bioavailability of the product. If the substance does not work properly in the original capsules or powders, it is recommended to take liposomal products.
In general, you should find out about the products, the manufacturers and the general procedure before taking them and decide whether these products are right for you and your body.
References
- Abu Lila AS, Ishida T. Liposomal Delivery Systems: Design Optimization and Current Applications. Biol Pharm Bull. 2017;40(1):1-10.
- Kraft, J. et al. (2014). Emerging research and clinical development trends of liposome and lipid nanoparticle drug delivery systems. Elsevier, Volume 103, Issue 1. Pages 29-52.
- Koudelka S, Turanek Knotigova P, Masek J, et al. Liposomal delivery systems for anti-cancer analogues of vitamin E. J Control Release. 2015;207:59-69.
- Padamwar, M. & Pokharkar, V. (2006). Development of vitamin loaded tropical liposomal formulation using factorial design approach: drug deposition and stability. Elsevier, Volume 320, Issue 1-2, Pages 37-44.
- Allen TM, Martin FJ. Advantages of liposomal delivery systems for anthracyclines. Semin Oncol. 2004;31(6 Suppl 13):5-15.