The key difference between normal magnesium supplements and liposomal magnesium is the absorption rate and bioavailability. Thanks to the liposomal delivery system, liposomal magnesium enters the bloodstream and is absorbed far faster and easier than traditional magnesium sources. But first, let’s start by going over the importance of liposomes for a healthy body.
The vast majority of Americans take some kind of nutritional or vitamin supplement every day. But the actual bioavailability, or the proportion of a substance that actually enters the circulation after being consumed, varies widely from product to product. That means when you pop a multivitamin, your body may be absorbing anywhere from ten to ninety percent of the vitamins and minerals that you’re ingesting.
The ugly truth is that when we ingest even some of the most potent vitamins and minerals, only a small percentage of them are absorbed by our bodies. On top of that, our ability to absorb nutrients from orally taken substances can be greatly affected by bacteria in your gut as well as the acid in your stomach. With numbers like these, there must a solution to improve the bioavailability of the supplements we depend on for daily use. Luckily, there is that solution and it’s called Liposomes.
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What are Liposomes?
Technically speaking, liposomes are tiny, artificial lipid bubbles that are about 1/1000th the width of a single human hair. They are made up of the same type of fat as our own cell membranes, making them both biocompatible and very stable when introduced to our bodies. But most importantly, liposomes are able to deliver fat-soluble substances in a stable way. That means from the moment you ingest them, liposomes are working to help you absorb nutrients and protect against their breakdown by bacteria and stomach acid. Since liposomes are intentionally created out of the same fat molecules (lipids) as our own cell membranes, they can instantly effectively combine with the cells in our bodies to create lasting and powerful support.
There are three different types of liposomes, and each kind can be implemented to aid in the absorption of different drugs or to target specific kinds of cells. There have been over 50,000 studies on liposomes from around the world, and amazing advances in their formulation have helped a wide range of industries including medicine, cosmetics, vitamins, botanicals, and farming agriculture.
What are Liposomes Made From?
Without getting too technical, liposomes are generally composed of naturally derived lipid chains that sometimes contain materials from eggs – so be careful when taking them if you are vegan or are allergic to eggs. It’s also pretty common for liposomes to contain a tiny layer of water that is trapped between the layers of lipids.
Liposome Classification
You may recognize the prefix “lipo” from things like “liposuction”. That’s because the words are derived from Greek word ‘lipos’, which means fat. ‘Soma’ in Greek means body, so when you put the two together, you get liposomes.
Liposomes are classified as either multilamellar or unilamellar. Unilamellar liposomes contain a single layer of lipids that holds the tiny amount of water. Multilamellar liposomes, on the other hand, use multiple layers of lipids to hold the water.
Benefits of Liposomes
Besides greatly increasing the bioavailability and absorption of the substances they are helping to deliver, liposomes can be beneficial in and of themselves. The phospholipids in liposomes that your cell membranes recognize are actually therapeutic – they can help nourish cell membranes by providing the lipids needed for them to function optimally. They can help deliver anything from supplements and antioxidants like GSH to cancer treatments and anti-fungal agents.
While all the benefits of liposomes in pharmaceutical use can be difficult to quantify, here are a few of the most common:
- Improved solubility and drug absorption.
- Focused effects on immune system cells.
- Sustained release for systemic and synergistic effects.
- Improved tissue penetration and bioavailability
- Inclusion of mechanisms to avoid or target certain parts of the body.
What is Liposomal Magnesium?
The medicinal benefits of magnesium have been known for centuries, but recent advances in technology have made this natural element far more available in various forms. Primarily found inside our bones, magnesium is also incredibly important for maintaining the healthy function of our digestive and nervous systems. It’s also been noted that magnesium plays an important role in keeping the normal electrical balance in your body that is required for typical heartbeat rhythms.
There has been a lot of recent cardiovascular research into liposomal magnesium. In fact, according to the American Journal of Cardiology, a study of over 7,000 men found that regular consumption of high levels of magnesium led to 45% reduced risk of coronary heart disease when compared to men with a reduced level of magnesium intake.
Again, the key difference between normal magnesium supplements and liposomal magnesium is, of course, the absorption rate and bioavailability. Thanks to the liposomal delivery system, liposomal magnesium enters the bloodstream and is absorbed far faster and easier than traditional magnesium sources. This can lead to a number of fantastic and supportive upgrades for your body, including:
- Improved muscle relaxation.
- Better and more balanced energy levels.
- Regulation of vitamin and minerals in the body such as potassium and vitamin D.
- Support for normal development for bones, teeth, and muscles.
Liposomal Magnesium Benefits
For many people taking normal magnesium supplements, they can become increasingly frustrated by the lack of difference they are feeling no matter how much magnesium they take. That’s because, in order for magnesium to successfully enter a cell, it needs calcium to be pumped out. And since many magnesium users are taking the supplement due to a lack of energy in the first place, it stands to reason that their bodies lack the energy for this pumping action to occur naturally. So the magnesium never gets past the cell wall, and no effects are felt.
That’s where liposomal magnesium absorption can make such a huge difference because thanks to the tiny liposomal lipid bubble, it’s able to get easily absorbed by the cell wall and the magnesium is delivered quickly and easily.
Liposomal Magnesium Side Effects
If taken in the correct dosage, there are virtually no side effects when taking liposomal magnesium. Because of the work that the body has to go through in order to absorb it, normal magnesium supplements are known for causing diarrhea, but liposomal magnesium shouldn’t cause that problem. Just be sure to take powder or liquid liposomal magnesium at least 15 minutes before or after a meal so that the magnesium enters your body on an empty stomach.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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