Swanson, Liposomal Vitamin C, 5 fl oz (148 ml)

Liposomal Vitamin C from Swanson Ultra is a state-of-the-art formulation that packs vitamin C into fat-soluble liposomes. These liposomes deliver the vitamin safely through the digestive system directly to the bloodstream for optimal bioavailability. It’s gentler on the digestive tract than conventional ascorbic acid, making it ideal for supplementing at higher intake levels.

What is a liposome?

Liposomes are tiny microscopic “bubbles” or spheres formed by phospholipids that act as carriers to deliver active agents—in this case, nutrients—right to our cells and tissues. They’re effective because their makeup is similar to that of our own cells. The exterior lining of our cells contain phospholipids just like those that form a liposome. Without adequate transporters on a cell’s surface to get the water-soluble vitamin C past the lipid layer of cell membranes, the vitamin can stay on the outside of cells and not provide the intended benefit to the body. Liposomal Vitamin C is a unique delivery form that acts as a carrier to deliver active nutrients right to our cells and tissues in ways other delivery forms do not.

What distinguishes a “true liposome?”

To form a true liposome, you must react the active ingredients with the phospholipid carrier in such a way as to create tiny uniform spheres that complete envelope and hold the active component at a particle size of about 150 nanometers. You can’t simply mix vitamin C with lecithin and call it a liposomal product, yet that is what some products turn out to be when analyzed.

The particle size matters, the production method matters and the materials themselves matter. The phospholipid should not be hydroxylated or hydrogenated, and it should be as pure as possible. Liposomal Vitamin C uses phosphatidylcholine from non-GMO sunflower lecithin. This is preferred because phosphatidylcholine is one of the primary phospholipids in all cell membranes.

How do we know that liposomal delivery is better than other forms for delivering nutrients to our cells and tissues?

Better absorption, higher bioavailability, improved utilization—these are the primary benefits liposomes have over other forms of dietary supplements; but there’s more to consider than just these three things. In the case of vitamin C specifically, the liposomal form is better tolerated, making high-dose supplementation easier and more effective. Vitamin C is highly acidic and can cause digestive upset, diarrhea and other unpleasant side effects when taken in high amounts. With Liposomal Vitamin C, the phospholipids serve as a barrier to the ascorbic acid through the digestive tract, virtually eliminating the concern of GI distress.