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The Healf Source
Liposomal Supplements: What They Are, How They Work & Why They're Popular
From vitamin C to glutathione, more and more brands are shouting about "liposomal delivery" as a game-changing solution for better absorption. But what does liposomal actually mean, and does it really make a difference?
Written by: Eleanor Hoath
Written on: June 10, 2025
We spoke to the team at Altrient, a pioneer in liposomal technology with over 20 years of research and formulation expertise, and Registered Nutritionist, Clarissa Lenherr to decode the science and help separate fact from marketing fiction.
First things first: what are liposomes?
At the most basic level, liposomes are tiny bubbles made from the same material as our cell membranes: phospholipids. These microscopic spheres can encapsulate nutrients, protecting them from degradation as they travel through the digestive system and delivering them more efficiently into the bloodstream and, crucially, directly into cells.
This delivery method is a significant evolution from traditional supplement formats like tablets or powders, where much of the active ingredient is often lost in digestion. As Altrient explain, humans can only absorb around 200mg of vitamin C at a time from conventional supplements - even if they take several grams in one go.
“Liposomal encapsulation increases bioavailability in two key ways,” they say. “Firstly, the phospholipid membranes protect nutrients during digestion, meaning more survives to reach the small intestine. Secondly, the liposomal structure mimics human cells, allowing some nutrients to fuse directly with cell membranes and bypass traditional absorption pathways.”
Measuring bioavailability: more than blood tests
One of the biggest claims in the liposomal conversation is increased bioavailability, but how do you measure that?
While many brands focus on blood serum levels, Altrient highlight that this doesn’t always reflect how much of a nutrient has reached cells where it can actually be used. “Tissue studies are a more accurate way of determining uptake,” they explain. “We also look at urinary excretion: if more of a nutrient is retained and less is excreted, that suggests higher cellular absorption.”
In other words, the goal isn't just to flood the bloodstream with nutrients, but to ensure they’re actually getting into the body’s tissues where they can make a difference.
How liposomal supplements are made and why It matters
Not all liposomal supplements are created equal. According to Altrient, the quality and stability of the liposomes themselves is what makes or breaks a product’s effectiveness.
Their manufacturing process involves dissolving water-soluble nutrients in deionised water, while phospholipids - including a high concentration of phosphatidylcholine - are prepared in a separate solution. These two liquids are then sprayed together at extremely high pressure onto a forming plate. “This high-impact collision creates stable nano-liposomes so small they can only be seen with an electron microscope,” says the team.
This method ensures consistent encapsulation and high stability, which is key to delivering on the promise of liposomal bioavailability.
While liposomal delivery can be a game-changer for certain nutrients, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Altrient note that water-soluble vitamins - like vitamin C and B-complex nutrients - benefit most from liposomal encapsulation. These nutrients are typically more vulnerable to breakdown in the digestive system and have lower natural absorption rates.
Fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin E and omega-3s, on the other hand, are already fairly bioavailable and don’t gain as much from this technology. And some popular supplements, like collagen peptides, are simply too large to be encapsulated in liposomes.
“Hydrolysed collagen already optimises absorption,” the team explain, “so liposomal delivery wouldn’t add much benefit.”
How to spot a real liposomal supplement
One of the challenges in the current wellness landscape is that “liposomal” is an unregulated term. Any brand can use it on their label - whether or not the product contains true liposomal encapsulation.
“It’s a little-known fact that ‘liposomal’ isn’t a protected term in the supplements industry,” warns Altrient. “A 2020 independent study tested five so-called liposomal products. Two contained no liposomes at all, and two others had very low encapsulation levels."
So how can consumers make informed choices? The key is to look for brands with independent lab testing, published data, and a track record of quality. “Without access to a lab, consumers can’t tell the difference themselves. The best thing to do is choose a reputable brand with clinical backing.”
Are liposomal supplements worth the hype - and the price tag?
It’s a fair question, “the scepticism is understandable, especially given how many brands use ‘liposomal’ as a buzzword,” they acknowledge. “But true liposomal supplements can offer unmatched benefits for hard-to-absorb nutrients and for people with malabsorption issues.” - says Altrient Spokesperson
Registered Nutritionist, Clarissa Lenherr says "Liposomal supplements are beneficial because their delivery system enhances nutrient bioavailability by protecting the compounds from breaking down in the digestive tract, and promoting cellular uptake through phospholipid membranes"
Take vitamin C, for example. Not only is absorption capped in conventional formats, but higher doses can cause digestive discomfort. Liposomal vitamin C, by contrast, bypasses these issues while offering significantly higher intracellular uptake.
Another compelling example is glutathione — an antioxidant that's notoriously difficult to absorb orally. “We’ve seen liposomal glutathione outperform other delivery methods in both clinical and anecdotal settings,” the brand adds.
And when it comes to results, there’s growing evidence that liposomal delivery can produce real, tangible benefits. Clinical and consumer studies on Altrient C show noticeable improvements in skin health and energy levels within just 28 days — suggesting that the investment may pay off more quickly than people expect.
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Final thoughts on liposomal supplements
In a wellbeing world full of jargon and hype, it’s easy to become cynical about the latest trend. But behind the term "liposomal" lies a genuine leap forward in nutrient delivery - one that, when done correctly, offers measurable benefits in bioavailability, absorption, and cellular impact.
The caveat? As with anything in the supplement space, quality is everything. Not all liposomal products are backed by science, and not all deliver what they promise on the label. For those looking to make a meaningful investment in their health, the best advice is simple: do your research, look for transparency, and stick with brands that have earned their reputation through data, not just marketing.
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf
Eleanor Hoath is a Registered Nutritional Therapist (DipNT, mANP, mBANT) specialising in gut, skin and women’s health. She is the Editor of The Healf Source and founder of Well Nourished Nutrition Ltd.
Passionate about holistic wellbeing and balanced living, Eleanor combines evidence-based nutrition with a practical, approachable style to help people feel their best through content.
Based in London, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to nurture their health and understand the root cause of their symptoms from the inside out.
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