Liposomal delivery enhances absorption of vitamin C into plasma and leukocytes: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial

Eur J Nutr. 2024 Dec;63(8):3037-3046. doi: 10.1007/s00394-024-03487-8. Epub 2024 Sep 6.

Abstract

Purpose: L-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in various physiological functions, including immune health. The stability of vitamin C in the gastrointestinal tract its bioavailability is limited. This study aimed to investigate if a liposomal form of vitamin C can increase absorption compared to standard vitamin C.

Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover fashion, 19 males and 8 females (n = 27; 36.0 ± 5.1 years, 165.0 ± 6.9 cm, 70.6 ± 7.1 kg) ingested a single-dose of placebo (PLA), 500 mg vitamin C (VIT C), and 500 mg liposomal vitamin C (LV-VIT C, LipoVantage®, Specnova, LLC, Tyson Corner, VA, USA). Venous blood samples were collected 0, 0.5-, 1-, 1.5-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 8-, 12-, and 24-hours after ingestion and were analyzed for plasma and leukocyte vitamin C concentration.

Results: VIT C and LV-VIT C demonstrated significantly greater Cmax and AUC0 - 24 in plasma and in leukocytes compared to placebo (p < 0.001). Additionally, LV-VIT C had significantly higher Cmax (plasma + 27%, leukocytes + 20%, p < 0.001) and AUC0 - 24 (plasma + 21%, leukocytes + 8%, p < 0.001) values as compared to VIT C.

Conclusion: Liposomal formulation of vitamin C increases absorption into plasma and leukocytes.

Trial registration: Clinical Trials Registry - India (CTRI/2023/04/051789).

Keywords: Bioavailability; Immune health; Liposome; Vitamin C.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ascorbic Acid* / administration & dosage
  • Ascorbic Acid* / pharmacokinetics
  • Ascorbic Acid* / pharmacology
  • Biological Availability
  • Cross-Over Studies*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Absorption / drug effects
  • Leukocytes* / drug effects
  • Leukocytes* / metabolism
  • Liposomes*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Liposomes

Grants and funding