Most of us think of oranges and chewable tablets when it comes to vitamin C. When searching for a vitamin C supplement, we will encounter conventional forms such as capsules, pills, and powders. However, there is a highly effective form of vitamin C that deserves our attention: liposomal or liquid vitamin C. This article explores the many health benefits of consuming a spoonful of this potent, highly bioavailable, antioxidant, liquid vitamin C.
UNDERSTANDING VITAMIN C
Vitamin C, also referred to as ascorbic acid, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that our bodies cannot reproduce. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body. Vitamin C is one of the most studied and understood antioxidants of which around 80-90% is derived from our food. Foods rich in vitamin C are Kakadu plums (an Australian native superfood with the highest known concentration of vitamin C), acerola cherries, blackcurrants, guavas, bell peppers, kiwis, strawberries, oranges, papayas, broccoli, tomatoes, kale, and snow peas.
Vitamin C diminishes rapidly when exposed to light; during extended storage or when heated and because of its water-soluble nature it can seep into the cooking liquid and be lost.
Vitamin C is best absorbed on an empty stomach for optimum absorption and an intake of 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men is recommended.
WHAT IS LIQUID VITAMIN C?
Liquid vitamin C supplements are a specialised form of vitamin C (a water-soluble vitamin also known as ascorbic acid), that utilises liposomes for enhanced absorption.
The delivery system known as liposomes has been in existence since the mid-1960s and is continuously evolving. They were first used as a drug carrier in the mid-1990s due to their similarity to body cells. Liposomes have been primarily utilised for vaccinations, gene therapies, and orally administered medications. It was specifically created for maximum absorption and optimal bioavailability.
HOW DOES LIQUID VITAMIN C WORK?
Our intestines can’t handle more than 200 mg of vitamin C before digestive problems arise. The solution would be to get a vitamin C shot that goes directly into your bloodstream without the needles.
Research suggests that liposomal vitamin C produces higher circulating vitamin C levels in the body than powdered, non-liposomal vitamin C.
Here is how Liquid vitamin C works.
Liposomal Formation:
- Liposomes are tiny lipid (fat) spheres composed of phospholipids, similar to cell membranes' building blocks.
- Liposomes are both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-fearing).
- Lipid spheres encapsulate vitamin C molecules, creating protective pockets for them.
- The liposomal structure features a hollow centre, providing a safe environment for the vitamins.
Enhanced Absorption:
- Due to their similar composition to cell membranes, liposomes are absorbed and bonded more effectively.
- Consuming liquid vitamin C with liposomes acts as an ideal vessel to deliver vitamins to your body.
- The liposomal structure shields the vitamins from the corrosive effects of gastric acid in the stomach.
Protection in the Stomach:
- Liposomes serve as protective bubbles for each vitamin C molecule.
- As a result, vitamin C remains shielded from the highly acidic digestive enzymes in the stomach.
- It safely reaches the intestine, where it can enter the bloodstream.
Improved Bioavailability:
- Blood is the primary vehicle for vitamin C to reach targeted tissues. Unlike traditional vitamin C tablets that need to dissolve, liquid vitamin C with liposomes enters the bloodstream faster.
- The bioavailability of liposomal vitamin C is significantly higher compared to standard tablets.
- This means your body can absorb and utilise more of the nutrients effectively.
The scientific process is termed Liposomal Encapsulation Technology (LET) and can be investigated in more detail in our other article What are Liposomal Supplements and How Do They Work?
WHY IS VITAMIN C BENEFICIAL FOR OUR BODY?
Scurvy, a chronic condition resulting from a significant vitamin C deficiency (ascorbic acid) in one's dietary intake, is a well-recognised health concern. Today Scurvy occurs mostly when people are malnourished. Symptoms such as weakness, anaemia, gum disease, and skin problems are evident. But why does this occur?
This is because vitamin C is necessary to make collagen, an important component in connective tissues essential for structure, growth and healing in the body. In addition, it is necessary for proper blood vessel function and aids in the absorption of iron, which the body requires to produce red blood cells.
Let's explore the key benefits of liquid vitamin C for our bodies.
Liquid vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Vitamin C may reduce the risk of chronic diseases by protecting cells from harmful molecules called free radicals. It increases blood antioxidant levels by up to 30% which helps fight inflammation and reduces the risk of heart conditions.
Liquid vitamin C may help lower blood pressure.
Vitamin C may help lower blood pressure in healthy adults and those with high blood pressure. It relaxes blood vessels, reducing blood pressure levels. Studies show that a vitamin C supplement reduced systolic blood pressure by 3.8 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.5 mmHg in healthy adults.
Liquid vitamin C decreases the risk of heart disease.
A review of 9 studies with 293,172 participants, found that taking at least 700 mg of vitamin C daily led to a 25% lower risk of heart disease after 10 years compared to not taking a supplement.
Liquid vitamin C lowers blood uric acid levels.
Gout, a form of arthritis, causes painful inflammation and joint swelling. A comprehensive review of 13 studies involving gout patients revealed that long-term use of a vitamin C supplement significantly lowered blood uric acid levels compared to a placebo. This reduction in uric acid levels was associated with a decreased risk of recurrent gout attacks.
Liquid vitamin C prevents iron deficiency.
Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (found in plant-based foods) in the intestines, aiding individuals who follow vegetarian or vegan diets or those with an iron deficiency. The intake of 100 mg of vitamin C can potentially enhance iron absorption by 6%.
Liquid vitamin C supports the immune system.
Vitamin C supplementation is primarily taken to support the immune system. It does this by promoting the production and function of white blood cells (lymphocytes and phagocytes), which helps the body protect itself from infections.
Vitamin C appears to reduce the severity of colds and recovery time by 8% in adults and 14% in children. Read more about how you can boost your immune system in our article on high-dose vitamin C supplementation.
Liquid vitamin C is essential for skin health.
Vitamin C is actively transported to the skin, where it can act as an antioxidant and help strengthen the skin’s barriers. It is essential for collagen production, which is the main structural protein in connective tissue. We often overlook the fact that connective tissue is a crucial component of organs such as the heart, lungs, skin, liver, and kidneys.
In our daily workouts, strenuous training can cause tears in the connective tissue. Vitamin C could help accelerate the recovery process of such injuries and protect our joints over time.
Collagen is also responsible for maintaining skin plumpness and hydration. As we age, a decrease in collagen and vitamin C levels contributes to skin ageing.
Liquid vitamin C plays a role in wound healing.
Research indicated that taking vitamin C may reduce the time it takes for wounds to heal. Above we have discussed how vitamin C enhances the synthesis of collagen, a key component of connective tissues and provides the structural framework for wound repair.
When a wound is healing, special cells called fibroblasts make collagen, a vital part of the tissue that helps the wound close. In the early stages of healing, the inflammatory cells release cytokines that trigger these cells to move to the wound site. This process not only strengthens the wound but also increases its tensile strength, ultimately leading to better wound closure.
Liquid vitamin C protects your cognitive function and memory.
The brain contains one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C in the body, emphasising its importance in maintaining brain health. It acts as a co-factor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which are crucial for mood regulation, memory formation, and cognitive function
Vitamin C also plays a role in the synthesis of myelin, a fatty substance that speeds up the transmission of electrical signals in the brain. Proper myelination is essential for the efficient functioning of the brain.
Low levels of this vitamin C have been associated with impaired thinking and memory. Dementia is a general term used to describe symptoms of poor thinking and memory and it affects over 35 million people worldwide, typically occurring among older adults.
Studies suggest that oxidative stress and inflammation near the brain, spine, and nerves(collectively known as the central nervous system) can increase the risk of dementia. Furthermore, several studies have indicated that people with dementia may have lower blood levels of vitamin C.
Liquid vitamin C supports weight loss.
When you have sufficient vitamin C, your body is more likely to burn fat during exercise. Studies show people with adequate vitamin C levels oxidise 25% more fat during physical activity than those with low vitamin C levels. Vitamin C acts as a cofactor (like a helper) in certain processes related to fat metabolism.
Vitamin C contributes to energy and protein metabolism, helping to boost your metabolism. It assists in making L-carnitine, a molecule that helps transport fatty acids to be oxidized in the cells. When you have sufficient carnitine, fat molecules move from storage to the place where they’re “burned” for energy. Lack of carnitine may lead to fatigue and weight loss problems.
Feeling tired is an early sign of vitamin C deficiency. So, maintaining adequate vitamin C levels is essential for overall health.
Vitamin C's antioxidant properties, help reduce oxidative stress in the body which may contribute to boosting the metabolism.
Liquid vitamin C may help eye health.
Although more investigative studies are needed, we have established vitamin C's role as an antioxidant for cells in the retina and macular region of the eye. When taken with other essential nutrients, Vitamin C may help protect against cataract formation (a clouding of the lens of the eye) and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which causes people to lose their central vision.
Liquid vitamin C may protect bone health.
A 2021 research review found that long-term vitamin C supplementation was associated with approximately 3% higher bone mineral density in women compared to those who did not supplement.
LIPOSOMAL VITAMIN C vs TRADITIONAL VITAMIN C
When comparing liposomal or liquid vitamin C to traditional pill form, consider absorption and convenience. Liquid vitamin C provides greater benefits due to high bioavailability and fast delivery, while pill forms are easier to transport and less expensive. However, liquid vitamin C has a shorter shelf life and requires refrigeration, increasing the long-term cost. Now let's examine the benefits of a liquid vitamin C.
Bioavailability and rate of absorption
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Traditional Vitamin C: Supplements are widely used, but their absorption rate is slower and typically limited to around 12-14%. Unlike liquids, tablets have a solid chemical structure, they require more time to dissolve than liquids. Stomach acid and enzymatic breakdown can hinder proper absorption.
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Liquid Vitamin C: Supplements use a different approach as it is encapsulated within lipid-based vesicles, known as liposomes which protect the vitamin C molecule from gastric challenges.
Several scientific studies have found evidence that the liposomal delivery system of vitamins helps more of the vitamin get into the bloodstream resulting in a much higher absorption compared to more traditional supplements. The bioavailability of liposomal vitamin C is only exceeded by intravenous (IV) vitamin C.
Tolerability, convenience and dosage
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Traditional vitamin C: Supplements in capsule or pill form may excuse the pun be hard to swallow. This form is normally swallowed with water and typically are flavourless.
Tablets and capsules may also contain additives and stabilisers that are sometimes not found in liquids.
Lowering dosages is trickier with capsules and pills due to their solid form and thus those that are highly sensitive to the vitamin are more likely to experience stomach upsets.
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Liquid vitamin C: Vitamin C as a liquid can be consumed directly or mixed into beverages, making it a convenient option to incorporate into your daily routine. Most of them have a pleasant fruity flavour.
One of the greatest advantages of the liquid form is that it is perfect for those who have difficulty swallowing pills and is ideal for children, the elderly or those who may struggle with solid supplements.
Liquid vitamin C tends to be gentler on the stomach and can be a better option for those with sensitive digestive systems. In terms of incremental dosing, it can be taken in low doses, which may limit side effects.
SIDE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN C
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the recommended dosage of vitamin C is 75 mg/day for women over 19 and 90 mg/day for men over 19. Generally, 1000-2000 mg/day should afford you the general health benefits of vitamin C.
There are very few known side effects of taking water-soluble vitamin C, as the body will expel what it doesn’t absorb.
Large doses exceeding 2,000 milligrams per day may cause diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramps and other gastrointestinal issues. Do not exceed this amount without speaking with a doctor. Those practising high vitamin C supplementation risk of iron overload (hemochromatosis) or prone to kidney stones should be cautious with their vitamin C intake.
Before taking any supplement, consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions. Vitamin C supplements may also interact with certain medications for heart disease and cancer.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LIQUID VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENT?
Do your research and purchase a high-quality liposomal supplement by making sure these requirements are met:
- Does it contain vitamin C and phospholipids (like phosphatidylcholine)?
- Avoid lipid-soluble vitamin C esters like ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl oleate, or cetyl ascorbate as they may not offer significant advantages over regular vitamin C.
- Look for the source of vitamin C.
- Only buy scientifically tested products.
- Choose supplements with minimal additives so that the Liposomal vitamin C benefits are intended to be as direct as possible.
- Ensure the supplement is non-GMO and free from soy, gluten, and dairy
We recommend Youth&Earth Liposomal Vitamin C because it more than surpasses these requirements.
IN CONCLUSION
Unlock the full potential of liquid vitamin C with liposomal delivery. This innovative liquid form uses liposomal encapsulation to protect the fragile vitamin C molecule, delivering a higher bioavailability of vitamin C directly to your cells. It bypasses the limitations of traditional forms and offers an exciting alternative with potentially superior absorption. Maximise this well-documented antioxidant, immune-supporting, and collagen-promoting vitamin by choosing a high-quality liquid vitamin C that will unlock all the health benefits of vitamin C.
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.
