What is liposomal? And when does it really make sense?

A technically sound blog on the role of liposomes in supplements.

What does liposomal mean?

The term liposomal refers to a form of administration in which active ingredients are packaged in liposomes: microscopic, spherical vesicles composed of phospholipids. These liposomes act as transport vehicles that protect and deliver the active ingredient into the body in a more targeted manner.

The structure of a liposome consists of one or more phospholipid bilayers, with the hydrophobic tails facing inward and the hydrophilic heads facing outward. This creates a spherical particle with an aqueous core – ideal for encapsulating both hydrophilic and lipophilic substances.

Liposomal delivery has been the subject of pharmaceutical research for decades, including in the context of targeted drug delivery, vaccine development and nutraceutical applications. [1]

Why liposomes?

Many active ingredients administered through oral supplements have low bioavailability. This is because they:

• Dissolve poorly in water (e.g., curcumin, astaxanthin)

• Susceptible to breakdown by stomach acid or digestive enzymes

• Difficulty passing through cell membranes

A liposome can protect these substances from the acidic environment of the stomach, and provide passive diffusion or endocytosis through the intestinal wall or cell membrane, depending on the size and charge of the liposome. [2]

Technical advantages of liposomal administration

• Increased bioavailability
  Liposomes improve the pharmacokinetics of difficult to absorb compounds by facilitating transcellular uptake via membrane fusion or endocytosis. [3]

• Protection of sensitive compounds
  Some nutrients are quickly broken down in the stomach (for example, certain antioxidants or enzymes). Liposomes provide a physical barrier.

• Targeted delivery to tissues
  Through properties such as charge distribution, PEGylation or size adaptation, liposomes can be tailored to specific release profiles (also studied in oncology and neurology).

When does liposomal really make sense?

Liposomal technology is especially valuable for substances with intrinsically low oral availability, such as:

• Curcumin (from turmeric): naturally poorly soluble in water

• Astaxanthin: lipophilic antioxidant, sensitive to oxidation

• Ubiquinol (active form of coenzyme Q10)

• Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA): poorly absorbable lipid

In these cases, liposomal encapsulation provides a measurable improvement in bioavailability, often with a lower dose required for clinical effect. [4]

When is liposomal not useful?

Not every substance benefits from liposomal administration. Substances such as:

• Magnesium (e.g., in citrate or bisglycinate form)

• Vitamin C (in normal doses)

already have relatively good bioavailability. Here, liposomal application may even be detrimental: the amount of phospholipids required (sometimes up to 80% of the fill weight) limits the space for the active ingredient, undermining its effectiveness.

Cell wall uptake: why omega 3 also plays a key role

An underexplored aspect in this story is the influence of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on cell membrane structure. The ratio of these fatty acids helps determine the fluidity and permeability of the cell wall. With an excess of omega-6 fatty acids, the cell wall becomes stiffer, hindering the absorption of nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids (such as EPA and DHA), on the other hand, improve flexibility and permeability.

Thus, in that context, a liposomal supplement is only one half of the story: a good omega-3 status constitutes the other half for optimal uptake at the cellular level. [5]

How do you recognize a true liposomal product?

A practical feature: mix a little of the dry powder with water. True liposomes form a cloudy, milky solution, not a clear powdered drink. This indicates active liposome formation in solution.

In addition, you can pay attention to:

• The type of phospholipids used (e.g., phosphatidylcholine)

• The mention of liposomal technology (such as “nanoencapsulation” or “multilamellar”)

• The amount of active ingredient vs. excipients

Conclusion

Liposomal technology offers an advanced solution for improving the bioavailability of difficult to absorb substances. But it is not a gimmick: it must be used functionally, with knowledge of the active ingredient, uptake barriers and cell biology.

???? Want to be sure you are choosing a liposomal product with real added value? Then pay attention to the type of active ingredient, the technology used and your own nutritional status (such as omega-3).

As a product developer of high-quality nutritional supplements, we offer a line of liposomal products with real liposomes. Our liposomal supplements are developed using the Kala Health-developed Lipo-Real® Technology. Questions about the unique product development? Call us.

Resources

1. ScienceDirect: Liposome overview

2. Bozzuto G, Molinari A. Liposomes as nanomedical devices. Int J Nanomedicine. 2015.

3. Allen TM, Cullis PR. Liposomal drug delivery systems: from concept to clinical applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2013.

4. Immordino ML, et al. Stealth liposomes: review of the basic science, rationale, and clinical applications. Int J Nanomedicine. 2006.

5. Stillwell W, Wassall SR. Docosahexaenoic acid: membrane properties of a unique fatty acid. Chem Phys Lipids. 2003.

On health claims and our limits as a brand

Although many of our ingredients have been extensively researched, due to European legislation we are not allowed to mention on this website all the health benefits shown by scientific studies.

Would you like to know more about our products or formulas? We are happy to think along with you without any obligation.
Call us at (+31) (0)70 345-0290

About the author: Jesse

What I value most about my job is that every day I can contribute to promoting products that I fully support. The science and quality behind our nutritional supplements motivate me to make sure as many people as possible get to know them.

I feel at home in a team with a clear vision, that takes responsibility and has a passion for health and well-being.
I have a BSc in Health Sciences from the University of Twente. I combine this background with a master’s in marketing, with which I focus on transparent, substantive communication. No empty claims, but sharing knowledge – and building a relationship based on trust and expertise.