Liposomal Vitamin C from Vitals contains 1000 mg of liquid, liposomal vitamin C per 5 ml, in three different forms (sodium ascorbate, potassium ascorbate and ascorbic acid). Liposomes are fat globules with a phospholipid double layer, within which the active ingredient is located. Cell membranes also consist of a phospholipid-double layer, which allows excellent absorption of the active substances from the liposomes into the cell.

Figure 1: Fusion of a liposome with a cell.

In the body, the blood level of vitamin C is determined by the strict regulation of intestinal absorption, cellular transport and excretion. Absorption of vitamin C in the intestine is primarily via active transport, by means of a sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter (SVCT1). This proceeds efficiently until a certain concentration is reached, after which absorption does not increase further because all transporters are saturated. The form in which vitamin C is presented to the body can make a difference in absorption. Vitamin C in liposomal form is not dependent on the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter and its bioavailability is therefore greater.

Effect of vitamin C
Vitamin C is mainly known for its positive influence on resistance. And that is true: vitamin C helps the immune system, especially at times of heavy physical strain or in cold environments. But this vitamin is involved in very many processes.

Vitamin C functions in the body as a water-soluble antioxidant and plays an important role as a free radical scavenger. It is part of a complex system of the body's own antioxidants, dietary antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes with interdependencies and interactions. In this capacity, it is involved in the protection of DNA, proteins and fats from oxidative damage and thus contributes to the maintenance of healthy cells and tissues. In addition, vitamin C is required as a coenzyme for three different enzymes involved in the production of collagen (the most abundant building material in the human body). Normal collagen formation is important for bones, cartilage, gums, skin, tendons and blood vessels, among other things.

Vitamin C is needed as a co-factor for dopamine beta-monooxygenase (DBM), the enzyme that converts dopamine into norepinephrine and adrenaline. Both act in the body as neurotransmitters and hormones, and thus vitamin C has a positive influence on nervous system function and contributes to normal psychological functioning.

Vitamin C is indispensable for two enzymes involved in the production of carnitine, which is required for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production. In this way, vitamin C supports energy levels. It can also help with fatigue.

Moreover, there are many people who do not get enough iron through diet, especially women of childbearing age, pregnant women and (young) children. Vitamin C allows for better absorption of dietary iron. This is non-heme iron, found in plant and animal foods. Vitamin C does not affect the absorption of heme iron, which is found only in animal products. About 90% of the iron found in food is non-heme iron. Only 10% consists of heme iron. As an electron donor, vitamin C can convert oxidized vitamin E back into its active, reduced form, thus maintaining the activity of vitamin E.

Humans cannot synthesize vitamin C themselves and depend entirely on the diet for vitamin C supply.

Permitted health claims:

• supports the immune system
• promotes resistance during and after physical exertion (such as sports) and in a cold environment with a daily intake of at least 200 mg in addition to the recommended daily intake of 80 mg
• contributes to normal energy metabolism
• helps to reduce fatigue
• has a positive influence on the functioning of the nervous system
• contributes to normal psychological functioning
• contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative damage
• contributes to the formation of collagen
• supports good condition of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, skin, gums and teeth
• contributes to the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E
• promotes dietary iron absorption and increases blood iron levels