Liposomal vitamin C + D3

Sublingual or spray vitamins are more effective than vitamins in tablet form, as they bypass
the acidic environment of the stomach, going directly into the bloodstream from the
epithelium. Vitamin tablets and pills also tend to have more additives and fillers, such as
waxy coatings, phthalates and magnesium stearate to make them resistant to stomach acid
or used in the manufacturing process, while as spray/gel vitamins do not need these,
therefore offering a purer product. [4] Faisal and Mirza (2020) demonstrated that sublingual
administration of vitamin D3 can be vastly superior to traditional methods of administration
as they are absorbed by sublingual blood vessels and therefore bypass the first-pass hepatic
metabolism. [5] Liposomes are an advanced delivery system for vitamins as they have a
high bioavailability and absorption, can hold hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds,
increased intracellular delivery and also the micronized encapsulation protects against the
harsh environment of the GI tract and also increases transmucosal uptake and absorption.
[6]

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin. Since it is not well stored
in tissues, it must be consumed regularly. It controls infections, wound healing and
neutralizes free radicals, thereby keeping inflammation at bay and being anti-carcinogenic. It
is needed to make collagen in the body, keeping the skin, hair and nails strong and healthy,
as well as several hormones and chemical messengers used in the brain and nerves.
Vitamin C increases the absorption of nonheme iron, found in leafy greens. Deficiency leads
to scurvy, fatigue and iron-deficiency anaemia. Recommended dietary allowance for adults
19+ is 90 mg daily for men and 75 mg for women. For pregnancy and lactation, it is 85 mg
and 120 mg. Smoking depletes vitamin C, so an additional 35 mg is suggested. Absorption
does not differ if the vitamin is taken through food or supplement. [1] Water soluble vitamins
are absorbed through the epithelial cells via carrier proteins, present in the mouth and
intestines. The presence of glucose can increase the amount of vitamin C absorbed in the
buccal cavity [2, 3].

Vitamin D, calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin, present in few foods and produced

endogenously when UV rays strike the skin. Vitamin D is initially biologically inert and must
undergo two hydroxylations in the body for activation. Vitamin D promotes calcium
absorption in the gut and helps normal bone mineralization. It also reduces inflammation and
modulates cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and glucose metabolism.
Foods and supplements have two main forms of vitamin D, ergocalciferol (D2) and
cholecalciferol (D3). Their difference is only the side-chain structures and both forms are well
absorbed in the small intestine. Absorption occurs by passive diffusion and also using
membrane carrier proteins. Presence of fat in the gut enhances vitamin D absorption, but
some is absorbed even without dietary fat. Recommended dietary intake per day is 10-20 µg
(400-800 IU) per day, with 10 µg for babies up to 12 months and 20 µg for people over the
age of 70. Vitamin D has also been linked to cancer prevention and helping maintain
strength and muscle mass, perhaps even increasing it and also might help against seasonal
depression. [7] Vitamin D found in food can have low bioavailability, as it is bound up with
other fat-soluble nutrients, fatty acids and fibres in the given food. Vitamin D is also broken
down by heat, light, moisture and oxygen, therefore cooking food can reduce the amount of
viable vitamin D within. Microencapsulated vitamin D such as in liposomes or lipid
nanoparticles is the best for supplementation since then the vitamin is protected from
moisture, oxidation, pH, temperature, and mechanical forces, while being highly bioavailable.
[8]

Both vitamins C and D act as antioxidants and reduce inflammation in the body. This not
only protects from toxins and increases general wellbeing, but also is anticarcinogenic as
inflammation is a critical component of tumour progression. [9] Both vitamins are required for
and boost the immune system. Adequate intake of both vitamins is necessary to guard
against infections and has been shown to even improve the outlook of COVID-19 patients.
[10] Supplementation is a good way to ensure adequate intake of both vitamin C and D as
both have been demonstrated to be absorbed effectively, especially when taken sublingually
and/or microencapsulated, and to have beneficial effects.

References

[1] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049159/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/486391/

[4] https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/food-junkie/201810/what-you-need-know-
about-sublingual-vitamins

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7685416/

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818067/

[7] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/

[8] https://www.t-nation.com/supplements/news-vitamin-d-wont-help-unless-
microencapsulated-d3/

[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2803035/

[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7696052/