Thursday, May 9, 2013

How A Liposome Helps In The Absorption Of Vitamins And Medications

By Wanda Vaughn


Liposomes have been used as a carrier system for the targeted delivery of medications since the 1970s, in a procedure designed to deliver the drug directly to the specific organ or part of the body. Liposomes also provide a slow-release element and help to reduce the toxicity which some drugs have. In recent years, the use of liposomes to increase the absorbency of vitamins and other nutrients has gained popularity and this aspect of the liposome will be discussed here.

A liposome looks like a microscopic pouch that is filled with fluids; the walls are comprised of phospholipids. These phospholipids are the same as those that occur naturally in the natural cell membranes. Liposomes take the substances they carry directly to the cells and the blood stream, far more efficiently than the body itself can do.

Another benefit of liposomal delivery is that the lipids used to create the molecules are fatty substances like lecithin, and these are effectively the building blocks of all cells, needed for replacement and repair of membranes. Modern diet and lifestyles drastically affect cell walls and this adversely affects the uptake of oxygen and nutrients by the cells. The effect of the liposomal delivery is increased health at a cellular level.

Research has shown that there are several life threatening conditions which can be effectively treated using a liposomal delivery system. These include Parkinson's disease, autism, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, congestive heart disease and even aging.

Many nutrients and drugs are not absorbed very efficiently by the body and a liposome delivery system greatly enhances this absorption. For example, Co enzyme Q10 has an average absorption rate of three to five percent but when combined with a liposome, this increases to an incredible 90 percent or more.

Liposomal Encapsulation Technology or LET allows the active ingredient in many pharmaceuticals and nutrient supplements to reach the area of the body they are targeting. Many oral drugs and supplements are degraded during their passage through the digestive tract, limiting their strength and efficacy. Dosages can be reduced up to fifteen times the normal dose because of the efficiency of the system, saving money and reducing possible toxicity.

One good example of the use of LET is with vitamin C. Vitamin C is renowned for its ability to neutralize free radicals and is recognized as a factor in the treatment of many ailments. Humans are not able to produce vitamin C in the body and so it needs to be taken in through diet. Oral vitamin C supplements have a low absorption rate and a slow assimilation rate. Previously, the best way to get high doses of the vitamin was with intravenous injections which increased its absorption. LET enhances the transfer of vitamin C directly to the cells, greatly improving its uptake, even over injections, without any side effects.

Nutritional companies have now taken up the LET challenge and some have included the system in their supplement ranges. While not yet widely available, many supplements are made with LET that help to increase the absorption of the nutrients. Do some research to discover how to make liposome formulations at home.




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