Liposomes
Originating from the drug industry, liposomes are now making their way into the world of food supplements. Liposomes are renowned for their role in targeted supplement delivery within the body. But what are liposomes?
Encapsulation
Encapsulation by liposomes
Liposomes are spherical vesicles that can be composed of various components, including lipids, sterols, polysaccharides, and surfactants. Liposomes are used in the drug industry to deliver drugs to their target sites. Encapsulation by liposomes can reduce drug toxicity. Encapsulation within liposomes is possible for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, resulting in a wide array of drugs that can be incorporated.
Nutrients
Liposomal nutrients
Nowadays, there is a rising interest in the encapsulation of nutrients in these liposomes. It is suggested that liposomal vitamins can lead to increased effectiveness, compared to regular supplements. According to the literature, liposomal vitamin C results in increased bioavailability and efficacy. Additionally, the encapsulation of vitamin D in liposomes, might be beneficial, as it protects vitamin D from oxidation during storage.
The incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as omega-3, omega-6, or fish oil in liposomes is promising. PUFAs are normally unstable and have a strong odor, but encapsulation in liposomes is suggested to protect them from oxidative changes.
Moreover, it is suggested that liposomal iron prevents sports anemia due to targeted delivery. Besides this targeted delivery, liposomal iron can be absorbed without the limitations posed by export proteins and iron uptake.
Sports Nutrition
Liposomes in sports nutrition
Liposomes are suggested to be a promising source in sports nutrition due to their potential to improve bioavailability. Unfortunately, not much research has been conducted on the incorporation of sports nutrition in liposomes. However, some components already known in the sports industry are used in liposomal form in the drug industry. For example reservatrol and cathechins have been suggested to be effective in enhancing exercise performance by increasing aerobic capacity.
Safety
Regulation and safety
In dietary supplements, liposomes are mostly composed of lipophilic and surface-active substances.
Lipophilic substances include:
- triacylglycerol oils (e.g. soybean, fish oils)
- essential oils (e.g. thyme, lemongrass oils)
- flavor oils (e.g. peppermint, orange oils)
- indigestible oils (e.g. waxes, mineral oils)
Surface-active substances include:
- small molecule surfactants (e.g. diglycerides, sugar esters)
- phospholipids (e.g. lecithin)
- proteins (e.g. casein, soy)
- polysaccharides (e.g. gum arabic and modified starch)
These ingredients are frequently used in dietary supplements. However, due to the presence of lipid nanoparticles, the risk of lipid oxidation and the possible formation of oxidation products should be considered, especially during production. There is no separate category for the regulation of liposomes in food. Therefore, liposomes fall under broader regulations related to food additives, food ingredients, and safety assessments.
In Europe, the Novel Foods Directive 2015/2283 governs the use of nanoparticles in food. This directive classifies ‘nanomaterials’ as materials with one or more dimensions of 100 nm or smaller. These dimensions belong to functional components either contained within or attached to the material’s surface. If a material fits this classification, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates its toxicological risks using in vivo and in vitro methods.
Lastly, it is important to check the possible presence of allergens in the liposome constituents.
Conclusion
Liposomes, originally utilized in the drug industry, are now being explored for their potential in enhancing the effectiveness and stability of nutrients in food supplements. Their ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances allows for targeted delivery and possibly improved bioavailability of vitamins, iron, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
References
References
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, NMI.S39764. https://doi.org/10.4137/nmi.s39764
Higgins, M. F. (2016). Liposomal Nanotechnology – A New Frontier for Sport and Exercise Nutrition? Journal Of Nanomedicine Research, 4(4). https://doi.org/10.15406/jnmr.2016.04.00098
Rudzińska, M., Grygier, A., Knight, G., & Kmiecik, D. (2024a). Liposomes as Carriers of Bioactive Compounds in Human Nutrition. Foods, 13(12), 1814. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13121814
Rudzińska, M., Grygier, A., Knight, G., & Kmiecik, D. (2024b). Liposomes as Carriers of Bioactive Compounds in Human Nutrition. Foods, 13(12), 1814. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13121814
Truzzi, E., Bertelli, D., Bilia, A. R., Vanti, G., Maretti, E., & Leo, E. (2023). Combination of Nanodelivery Systems and Constituents Derived from Novel Foods: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceutics, 15(11), 2614. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15112614
Tutunji, L. F. (2022). Liposomes as Drug Delivery Systems. Cronicon, 57–68. https://ecronicon.net/assets/ecpt/pdf/ECPT-10-00692.pdf
Yu, P., & Chang, Y. (2015). Iron Liposome: A more Effective Iron Supplement for Sports Anemia and Anemia of Inflammation. Journal Of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, s4. https://doi.org/10.4172/2376-0419.s4-002