Clinical Evidence of Enhanced Absorption for Liposomal Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential micronutrient involved in collagen synthesis, enzymatic regulation, and antioxidant defense. However, its oral bioavailability is constrained by instability, limited intestinal absorption, and rapid clearance. Liposomal encapsulation has emerged as an innovative strategy to overcome these challenges by protecting vitamin C from degradation and enhancing systemic uptake. Several controlled human studies now provide consistent evidence that liposomal formulations achieve superior absorption compared to conventional preparations.

In a pivotal study by Gopi and Balakrishnan (2020), liposomal vitamin C (LVC) was compared with non-liposomal vitamin C (NLVC) in a randomized, two-way crossover trial with 24 healthy adults. The liposomal formulation, characterized by nanometer-sized vesicles (<100 nm) and an encapsulation efficiency of ~66%, demonstrated significantly greater pharmacokinetic performance. Peak plasma concentration (Cmax) reached 5.2 mg/dL for LVC versus 2.2 mg/dL for NLVC, while AUC0–t and AUC0–∞ values were markedly higher. Overall, the relative oral bioavailability of LVC was 1.77-fold greater than NLVC. Importantly, no adverse events were reported, confirming the safety and tolerability of liposomal delivery.

More recently, Purpura et al. (2024) conducted a rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to further evaluate liposomal vitamin C absorption. Twenty-seven adults ingested a single 500 mg dose of either liposomal or standard vitamin C. Liposomal supplementation resulted in significantly higher systemic exposure: plasma Cmax increased by approximately 27% and AUC by 21% compared with the standard form. Notably, vitamin C levels in leukocytes were also elevated (+20% Cmax, +8% AUC), suggesting enhanced cellular delivery, which is crucial for immune function. These data extend the clinical relevance of liposomal vitamin C beyond pharmacokinetics, demonstrating improved tissue-level availability.

Figure. Experimental results from Purpura et al. (2024) showing vitamin C absorption increases by liposomal delivery. Concentration of vitamin C is higher both in plasma (A) and leukocyte (B) after 24 hr.

Taken together, these studies provide robust and convergent evidence that liposomal encapsulation markedly enhances the bioavailability of orally administered vitamin C. Across different study designs—open-label crossover and double-blind placebo-controlled—liposomal formulations consistently outperform conventional preparations in terms of plasma exposure, cellular uptake, and absorption efficiency. The results support the conclusion that liposomal delivery represents a superior oral supplementation strategy, enabling more reliable systemic and cellular vitamin C availability at standard doses. Future work should explore long-term clinical outcomes, dosing regimens, and potential therapeutic applications, but current evidence strongly validates liposomal vitamin C as an advanced formulation with clear advantages in human absorption.

Reference:

1. Gopi, Sreerag, and Preetha Balakrishnan. “Evaluation and Clinical Comparison Studies on Liposomal and Non-Liposomal Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Their Enhanced Bioavailability.” Journal of Liposome Research, vol. 31, no. 2, 2021, pp. 356–64. Taylor & Francis, doi:10.1080/08982104.2020.1820521.

2. Purpura, Marc, et al. “Liposomal Delivery Enhances Absorption of Vitamin C into Plasma and Leukocytes: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial.” European Journal of Nutrition, vol. 63, no. 4, 2024, pp. 1849–59. Springer, doi:10.1007/s00394-024-03487-8.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements regarding liposomal technology and nutrient absorption are based on current scientific understanding but may vary depending on formulation and individual factors. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Actual bioavailability or efficacy may differ depending on dosage form, storage conditions, and personal physiology. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen