This morning as I was taking my vitamin C, I was reading the label of my bottle and realized that while you have probably heard about the benefits of taking vitamin C (especially when you are sick), you may not know about the different forms of vitamin C.
You already know about culinary doses of vitamin C- what’s found in our food. And perhaps you have heard about some people receiving vitamin C intravenously (IV) for more chronic illnesses that require higher doses.
But have you heard about LIPSOMAL vitamin C?
No, this isn’t a different vitamin C…. but it is a different FORM of it.
Before I tell you about this different form, let me back up a little bit and talk about why the form (and delivery system) of this vitamin needs to be considered.
Our body’s ability to absorb and use different nutrients is dependent on what is water soluble and what is fat soluble. This is because our cell membranes are made up of fat. Vitamin C is water soluble vitamin. If you remember your high school chemistry, then you know that water and fat don’t mix together on their own.
In fact, some it’s been estimated that only 20% of the vitamin C taken orally is actually absorbed into our blood stream… the rest of it is eliminated from our body. In other words, if you are taking a vitamin C supplement and it is not formulated correctly, you are wasting your money. What a shame!
So let’s talk about LIPOSOMES:
Liposomes are teeny tiny little vehicles that are used to carry nutrients into the cells. I won’t get into the chemical composition of them, but suffice to say, this special formulation helps our body absorb over 90% of the vitamin C…. a much better rate. In my research I also discovered that this was even better than IV vitamin C (which is significantly more expensive and invasive).
The best carrier for liposomal vitamin C is phosphatidyl choline which helps to hold the liposomes together. Make sure you look for a non-GMO soy or sunflower lecithin form- just look on the label of the supplement that you are purchasing.
There are some people who have medical contraindications that should not be taking vitamin C, so before starting this or any supplement, make sure you speak with your health care provider.