a Liposome is a fat-like particle(more scientificly a spherical-shaped vesicle composed of one or more phospholipid bilayers) which closely shape the structure of our cell membranes and act as a delivery vehicle for transporting substances into the body effectively via facilitating absorption directly in the mouth or by preventing breakdown by stomach acid. This form is easier for the body to absorb and allows more drug to get to the target area of the body.
The phospholipids, which are the main building blocks of liposomes, are mostly of plant origin, e.g. from sunflowers.
liposomes can transport such different substances regardless of their charge, size or structure, while being protected from the body’s own digestive enzymes and to some extent even from gastric acid. Due to this deception, liposomes easily reach their destination via the digestive tract. We call them our “trojan horse” of drug delivery!
Liposomes, more broadly, are one part of a family of lipid-based deliveries, the most common of which is a simple emulsion such as that found in a skin cream or foods such as mayonnaise, where oil and water are brought together in a time-limited stability.
Drug delivery using liposomes has numerous benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of toxic side effects, a significant issue for chemotherapeutics, which often exhibit high toxicity to healthy body organs and tissue.
Since the 1970s, liposomes have been investigated as potential drug delivery systems and The term liposome is derived from the Greek words “lipos” meaning fat and “soma” meaning body.
liposome relationship with fitness and athleticism
The revolution in liposomal formulations is based on a natural phenomenon. Phospholipids trap liquids in a lipid bubble under certain conditions. Whether these fluids contain vitamins, minerals or micronutrients is irrelevant for the liposome. Essential substances in aqueous solutions are thus automatically enclosed by the liposomes during the formation phase. A foodstuff enriched with liposomes is therefore “liposomal” if the primary active substance contained in the foodstuff is enclosed in liposomes. Thus, a synthesis takes place which allows vitamins, minerals or micronutrients to be transported more easily. This is because the aim of taking any active ingredient is to ensure its transport into the bloodstream via the mucosal and intestinal epithelial cells.
a large percentage of minerals and vitamins unfortunately do not get absorbed when we eat(especially if it’s not from food and is supplement). with the help of liposome, we can absorb almost all of it and keep our body healthy and away from toxins.
Some sensitive active ingredients lose much of their effects while passing through the gastrointestinal tract or are simply not absorbed in the small intestine. If molecular agglomerations are too large, have too little water solubility to be absorbed or are too hydrophobic to be dissolved, they can only marginally pass the intestinal wall and do not fulfil their function. The majority is excreted unused via the intestine or kidney.
liposome advantages
- High bioavailability and absorption compared with other oral forms of supplements.
- Non-invasive; avoids pain and discomfort associated with injections and decreases the contamination risk.
- Phospholipids mask the active ingredients so that larger amounts can be absorbed and escape the selective function of the small intestine. Osmotic (hydrophilic) side effects of some high-dose vitamins and minerals can thus be reduced.
- Micronized encapsulation protects against the harsh environment of the GI tract and increases transmucosal (oral) uptake and absorption.
- Increased intracellular delivery.
- Can hold both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds.
- Ideal for those for whom swallowing a tablet is not possible.
- Allow for adjustable and incremental dosing for children and adults.
- Cost effective by being able to take a lower dose for the same effect.