Liposomal Vitamin C vs Vitamin C (Food) vs Ascorbic Acid:
Which Is The Best Form?
Liposomal Vitamin C
Looking for some high-quality Vitamin C at the pharmacy, supermarket, or online can be quite a chore. There are so many Vitamin C forms to choose from and different dosages to consider. Prices can be all over the place, too! You’re not alone in this confusion.
Here we are doing a three-way Vitamin C Comparison among Liposomal Vitamin C vs Vitamin C (In fruit) vs Ascorbic Acid. Let’s find out which is the best Vitamin C supplement!
Liposomal Vitamin C vs Vitamin C vs Ascorbic Acid:
What are their similarities and differences?
Well, they are all Vitamin C, with just a few differences! Let’s go through them one by one:
Regular Vitamin C (As found in Food)
So, first of all, Vitamin C is an organic compound. It’s found in nature, mostly in fruits and vegetables. It’s also the general or umbrella term for all the different forms of Vitamin C.
Here are examples of some fruits and vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C (per 100g): natural sources of ascorbic acid aka Vitamin C
The problem with achieving the necessary vitamin levels from food. Due to the nature of Vitamin C treatment, the idea would be to administer the same amounts daily. Utilizing food, this is simply not achievable.
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is the synthetic form of Vitamin C; that is, it is man-made. However, it is chemically identical to natural Vitamin C. The chemical formula for both ascorbic acid and natural Vitamin C is C6H8O6. Because they are virtually the same, Vitamin C and ascorbic acid are used interchangeably. So, when you hear the words Vitamin C and Ascorbic acid, they refer to the same thing.
Liposomal Vitamin C
Liposomal Vitamin C, on the other hand, is an improved version of Vitamin C using Ascorbic acid. We use the term “improved” because Vitamin C is an inherently fragile nutrient with low absorption rates, especially when taken in high doses.
Technically, there are two components to Liposomal Vitamin C supplements:
Component 1: Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid is the most common type of Vitamin C used in supplements. Ascorbic acid is water soluble, and a potent antioxidant and free radical scavengers.
Component 2: The liposome
This microscopic delivery system helps improve Vitamin C’s absorption rates. Liposomes are made using phospholipids. This is key to absorption because a phospholipid bilayer also surrounds our cells.
For our Liposomal Vitamin C supplement, our Phospholipid Emulsion is made from Non-GMO Lecithin. (sunflower)
Why Liposomal Vitamin C is the best form for supplements
Think of liposomes as undercover agents. They mimic our natural cell membranes and make the body think they’re a natural part of it. The liposomes sneak in the Vitamin C molecules to the cells that need it for various biochemical processes.
Vitamin C – Price compares the 3 different forms of Vitamin C
Our Liposomal Vitamin C offers great value for money! This isn’t the case with ordinary Vitamin C (the majority of which is made from Ascorbic acid). As mentioned above, Ascorbic acid is water soluble and once it gets encapsulated by the Liposomes this is where the cellular absorption makes it superior because the cell’s membrane is made of lipids (fat) which then see the Liposomes produced by the Phospholipid Emulsion, encapsulates the Ascorbic Acid, and it get s absorbed immediately to deliver the Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) inside the cell.
Normal Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is water soluble so the absorption is only effective up to a certain dose (30-180mg/day). Anything higher risks getting ignored by the body and flushed out with urine. This means taking the typical 500mg capsule or tablet isn’t doing you any favours. This will mean that you paid for something that just goes to waste. You’re better off taking small doses instead of mega dose when it comes to normal Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)! Additionally, it’s important to note here that Vitamin C can easily be destroyed when exposed to heat, light, and air. This is why Vitamin C supplements should be stored in a cool, dark place and never be exposed to direct sunlight.
As you can imagine, liposomal technology is a game-changer when it comes to water-soluble nutrients like Vitamin C! Liposomes protect the Vitamin C molecules inside from oxidation and improve their stability. It also offers an extra layer of protection to our stomach by shielding it from Vitamin C’s natural acidity. This reduces the risk of acid reflux, stomach upset, indigestion, diarrhea, and similar gastric disturbances.
Liposomal Vitamin C vs Vitamin C vs Ascorbic Acid:
What are the health benefits?
In this Vitamin C Comparison, the health benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C, ordinary Vitamin C, and ascorbic acid are pretty much the same across the board! The only real difference is that liposomal Vitamin C is better absorbed by the body, meaning you get to enjoy a higher dosage of Vitamin C and all its associated benefits and less wastage that your body rejects. Therefore you have to take less Liposomal Vitamin C compared to normal Vitamin C which means that in the long run, the Liposomal Vitamin C will be a better value for your money. Vitamin C has a long list of scientifically proven health benefits. First and foremost is its role in scurvy prevention and treatment. This disease is estimated to have killed more than 2 million sailors prior to Vitamin C’s discovery!
Here are some of the notable contributions to our wellness, thanks to Vitamin C:
- It’s a co-factor in collagen formation. Without Vitamin C, there would be no collagen. As such, if you’re taking our Collagen supplement, it’s best also to ensure you’re getting enough Vitamin C. Collagen helps build and maintain various organs in the body, such as our skin, teeth, gums, cartilage, joints and bones, and blood vessels. It may even help prevent painful gout attacks!
- Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, meaning it can help protect our cells from oxidative stress. Moreover, it can even regenerate vitamin E, another potent antioxidant.
- It also helps reduce tiredness and fatigue and boosts energy levels at the same time.
- Vitamin C helps boost our immunity. Taking higher doses of Vitamin C when you feel the onset of a cold may help.
- Vitamin C helps with neurotransmitter production and may help improve your mood!
- Promotes the absorption of plant-based iron. This may not sound like a big deal if you eat meat regularly (meat is a rich source of iron). But it is super helpful for vegans and vegetarians. Vitamin C can help prevent iron deficiency anaemia.
Conclusion
Vitamin C is on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines. These nutrients and medicines are deemed safe and effective for the most important needs of a population. Keep in mind though that the human body doesn’t store Vitamin C. So, if you’re not regularly consuming Vitamin C-rich foods, then supplementing with our Liposomal Vitamin C is the next best thing!