Liposomal Vitamin C Vs. Buffered Vitamin C: Which Should I Take?

Vitamin C is a popular and effective water-soluble supplement for everything from allergies to immune boosting. Yet, vitamin C tends to have poor stability and bioavailability. It can cause gastrointestinal side effects and be harsh on sensitive stomachs, especially at higher doses.

Luckily, there are alternatives to standard vitamin C supplements, which we'll discuss in today's article. Keep reading to explore liposomal vitamin C vs. buffered vitamin C and what is buffered vitamin C. We'll discuss:

• The benefits of vitamin C
• What is buffered vitamin C?
• Liposomal vitamin C vs. buffered vitamin C
• Core Med Science Liposomal Vitamin C

Vitamin C Health Benefits

Vitamin C is a crucial nutrient. Humans don't make or store vitamin C, so must be consumed regularly in the diet. Rich sources include broccoli, bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, and rose hips. (Source 1)

The primary role of vitamin C is as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage, and supporting the immune system. However, vitamin C is critical for so much more, including:

• Immune health
• Skin health
• Cellular energy
• Wound healing
• Cardiovascular health
• Skin health
• Seasonal allergies
• Epigenetic expression
• Fertility (Source 1, 2)

Vitamin C is a widely available and well-researched supplement. It promotes health benefits beyond the standard amounts from fruits and vegetables in the diet. At higher doses, it helps optimize antioxidant protection and support immunity. In functional medicine, doctors routinely recommend vitamin C to target specific symptoms or pathways as part of a comprehensive treatment approach for various conditions.

What is Buffered Vitamin C?

Standard vitamin C supplements (ascorbic acid) are weakly acidic, have poor stability, and can be poorly absorbed. Because of these properties, supplements can irritate the digestive system, especially at therapeutic dosages.

"Standard vitamin C supplements (ascorbic acid) are weakly acidic, have poor stability, and can be poorly absorbed. Because of these properties, supplements can irritate the digestive system, especially at therapeutic dosages."

Buffered vitamin C is better for those with sensitive digestion or compromised gastrointestinal function. In buffered vitamin C supplements, the vitamin C is "buffered" with minerals, reducing the acidity and improving tolerance. These supplements typically contain a combination of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Buffered vitamin C is easier on the stomach and has fewer side effects but doesn't necessarily address the issue of absorption and bioavailability. There is an even better choice.

Liposomal Vitamin C vs. Buffered Vitamin C

Liposomal vitamin C uses phospholipid liposomes that are structurally similar to cell membranes. The liposomes encapsulate the vitamin C, increasing stability. Liposomal vitamin C is biocompatible with human cells and has a high safety profile. (Source 2)

Research suggests liposomal vitamin C has a higher antioxidant capacity than standard supplements, likely because more is absorbed and utilized by the body. It also enhances circulating vitamin C levels compared to non-liposomal supplements. (Source 2, 3)

Additionally, liposomal vitamin C offers enhanced bioavailability. One study suggests the uniform particle size of the liposomes enhances absorption and bioavailability. The researchers found liposomal vitamin C to be 1.77 times more bioavailable than non-liposomal preparations. (Source 4, 5)

"The researchers found liposomal vitamin C to be 1.77 times more bioavailable than non-liposomal preparations."

Core Med Science Liposomal Vitamin C

Core Med Science is a pioneer in liposomal technology, translating laboratory research into everyday dietary supplements accessible to those who need them. We offer three liposomal forms of vitamin C:

• Core Med Science Liposomal Vitamin C - Liquid Sunflower Formula
• Core Med Science Liposomal Vitamin C - Softgels
• Core Med Science Liposomal Vitamin C - Capsules

Whether you choose liquid, softgels, or capsules, you'll get high-quality vitamin C in liposomal preparations derived from sunflower lecithin. Every product is gluten, soy, and GMO-free and manufactured in the USA from China-free ingredients. (If you aren't sure what form is right for you, please read How to Pick the Best Liposomal Vitamin C).

Vitamin C is a powerful supplement with many health benefits. It's even more effective when well-tolerated, with excellent absorption and bioavailability. Buffered vitamin C is a step in the right direction, but you can't beat the benefits of liposomal vitamin C from Core Med Science.

"Vitamin C is a powerful supplement with many health benefits. It's even more effective when well-tolerated, with excellent absorption and bioavailability. Buffered vitamin C is a step in the right direction, but you can't beat the benefits of liposomal vitamin C from Core Med Science."

References:

1. Doseděl, M., Jirkovský, E., Macáková, K., Krčmová, L. K., Javorská, L., Pourová, J., Mercolini, L., Remião, F., Nováková, L., Mladěnka, P., & On Behalf Of The Oemonom (2021). Vitamin C-Sources, Physiological Role, Kinetics, Deficiency, Use, Toxicity, and Determination. Nutrients, 13(2), 615. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7918462/
2. Caritá, A. C., Fonseca-Santos, B., Shultz, J. D., Michniak-Kohn, B., Chorilli, M., & Leonardi, G. R. (2020). Vitamin C: One compound, several uses. Advances for delivery, efficiency and stability. Nanomedicine : nanotechnology, biology, and medicine, 24, 102117. Full text: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1549963419302011?via%3Dihub
3. Davis, J. L., Paris, H. L., Beals, J. W., Binns, S. E., Giordano, G. R., Scalzo, R. L., Schweder, M. M., Blair, E., & Bell, C. (2016). Liposomal-encapsulated Ascorbic Acid: Influence on Vitamin C Bioavailability and Capacity to Protect Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Nutrition and metabolic insights, 9, 25-30. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4915787/
4. Łukawski, M., Dałek, P., Borowik, T., Foryś, A., Langner, M., Witkiewicz, W., & Przybyło, M. (2020). New oral liposomal vitamin C formulation: properties and bioavailability. Journal of liposome research, 30(3), 227-234. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31264495/
5. Gopi, S., & Balakrishnan, P. (2021). Evaluation and clinical comparison studies on liposomal and non-liposomal ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and their enhanced bioavailability. Journal of liposome research, 31(4), 356-364. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32901526/