Scientific Evidence Supports the Superiority of Liposomal Vitamin C in Absorption. We tell you everything you need to know.
Bart is a pioneer company in the production of liposomal vitamins and minerals in powder form, offering solutions and technological support to clients in the nutraceutical and food industries.
Aiming to demonstrate the benefits of its Liposovit®-C and Liposovit®-C Direct products, Bart presents these studies that highlight how its liposomal technology can revolutionize the formulation of supplements and functional foods.
In Vitro Bioavailability Studies
To understand how vitamin C is absorbed in the body, the scientists used Caco-2 cells, which are a type of cell that can mimic the small intestine. These cells were grown in a special medium rich in nutrients and glucose. Every two days, the medium was changed and an enzyme called trypsin was added to keep the cells growing. This process was repeated until the cells reached 80% confluence, meaning they covered most of the available area.
Permeability through the human intestinal epithelial cell monolayer
The cells were plated onto culture plates with inserts at a density of 300,000 cells per insert. After 21 days, the electrical resistance of the cell layer was measured to ensure that they formed a barrier similar to that in the intestine.
Then, two solutions of vitamin C were prepared at a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml and added to the cells for 2 hours. After this time, the solutions were collected from both sides of the cell layer and filtered to measure the vitamin C content using a technique called ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC).
To measure the amount of vitamin C in a solution, scientists use an advanced technique called High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). They prepare special mixtures and use a machine that detects vitamin C at a specific wavelength of light.
This method ensures that measurements are accurate, which is crucial for research and quality control of products containing vitamin C.
In this study, scientists created microcapsules made of carbohydrates to protect vitamin C encapsulated in liposomes. These microcapsules help protect vitamin C from adverse environmental factors, such as high temperatures and shear forces, which can damage the structure of liposomes.
Observations with Electron Microscopy
Using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), the researchers were able to visualize the shape and internal structure of the liposomes, which range in size from 5 to approximately 500 nanometers. Most of the liposomes observed were large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs), with a spherical shape and a smooth surface.
Fig. 4. Liposovit®-C powder particles in images obtained with a scanning electron microscope
(Phenom XL, Phenom World BV). A. 3000x magnification, B. 4900x magnification.
Liposovit®-C Outperforms Non-Liposomal Vitamins in Terms of Absorption and Efficacy
Liposomal Technology
The principle behind liposomal technology is to enhance the absorption of encapsulated active substances, thereby increasing their bioavailability.
The results showed that liposomal vitamin C had a 30% higher bioavailability compared to non-liposomal vitamin C.
These results, obtained under controlled laboratory conditions, were confirmed in a clinical trial that evaluated the pharmacokinetic properties of the tested formulations.
Benefits for manufacturers on Liposovit®-C and Liposovit®-C Direct
These benefits make Liposovit®-C and Liposovit®-C Direct supplements an attractive option for formulators.
- Increased Absorption and Efficacy: This means that more vitamin C reaches the bloodstream and can be used more effectively.
- Protection Against Environmental Factors: Liposomal encapsulation protects vitamin C from adverse environmental factors such as light, air and heat, maintaining its stability and efficacy for longer.
- Extended Product Shelf Life: Liposomal technology in vitamin C supplements is free of preservatives, alcohol, allergens and GMOs, ensuring a purer and safer product.
- Reduced Stomach Irritation: Liposomal technology can help reduce the stomach irritation that some people experience when taking high doses of vitamin C, as liposomes facilitate a more gradual and gentle release into the digestive system.
- Immune System Enhancement: With improved absorption, liposomal supplements can provide more effective immune support.
- Increased Energy and Reduced Fatigue: Increased bioavailability can help combat fatigue and increase energy levels.
- Supporting Skin Health: Liposovit®-C supplements can improve skin health by ensuring more efficient delivery of vitamin C.
- Convenience and Ease of Use: Liposovit®-C and Liposovit®-C Direct supplements are available in various forms, such as capsules, powders, and gelatins, making them easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
- Innovation and Trust: Using products backed by scientific research and advanced technology can increase consumer confidence in the quality and effectiveness of the supplement.
Importance of Spray Drying
The study focused on demonstrating that spray drying has no negative effects on the properties and pharmacokinetic profile of the liposomal vitamin C powder obtained. This is important because dehydration of lipid carriers significantly prolongs the shelf life of the product, eliminates the need to include preservatives (necessary in liquid liposomal suspensions), reduces transportation and distribution costs, and expands the possibilities for practical applications.
This technology not only protects vitamin C from adverse environmental factors, but also extends the shelf life of the product and eliminates the need for additional preservatives.
For food formulators and technicians, this means the possibility of creating more stable, effective and attractive products for consumers, while reducing transportation and distribution costs.
Bart will be on hand at SupplySide West in Las Vegas at booth 6519, where you can discover all of the company’s innovative ingredients.
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What are the daily vitamin C requirements?
Recommendations vary between institutions, but generally range from 15-50 mg/day for infants and young children, and 25-100 mg/day for older children and adolescents.
For adults, recommendations are 45-110 mg/day for men and 45-95 mg/day for women, with additional increases for pregnant and lactating women, as well as for regular smokers.What are the main dietary sources of vitamin C?
The main dietary sources of vitamin C are fruits and vegetables. However, their consumption does not always guarantee an adequate intake due to factors such as food transport, storage and processing.
Why is vitamin C encapsulation important?
Vitamin C is highly reactive and unstable, and is easily degraded when exposed to light, elevated temperature, air, oxygen, and alkaline environments. Liposomal encapsulation can protect vitamin C from these destabilizing factors, increasing its bioavailability and efficacy.
What benefits does liposomal vitamin C offer compared to non-liposomal vitamin C?
Liposomal vitamin C has significantly better absorption into the bloodstream, resulting in greater bioavailability. This can make products using this technology more effective and attractive to consumers.
What are the limitations of traditional liposomal technologies?
Traditional liposomal technologies face limitations such as the instability of aqueous liposomal dispersions, high polydispersibility and the use of organic solvents that can degrade the encapsulated active ingredients and destabilize the supports.
What advances have been made in the formulation of liposomal vitamin C?
A liposomal vitamin C in powder form has been developed using an organic solvent-free procedure. This study evaluated the properties of the resulting product and its bioavailability compared to non-liposomal vitamin C, showing promising results in terms of efficacy and stability.
