Liposomal Encapsulation Technology

by Michael Lam, MD, MPH
www.DrLam.com

Liposomal Encapsulation Technology (LET) is the newest delivery method used by medical researchers to transfer drugs that act as healing promoters to the definite body organs. This form of delivery system offers targeted delivery of vital compounds to the body. It has been in existence since the early 70’s. Due to the excellent transference capability of LET, some manufacturers of topical moisturizers and beauty products have patronized it.

The astounding effects and advantages derived from LET is why a number of nutritional companies are now utilizing this technique in the oral delivery of dietary supplements.

The advantage of LET over the others is that it allows a nutrient to carry power packed and non- decomposed natural compounds to pinpointed tissues and organs. Even though doses are reduced 5 to 15 times less than normal supplement intake, the delivery system’s effectiveness is not changed. This reduction is both medically and economically significant.

Normal passage of tablets and capsules and the topical transfer of nutrients are affected by environmental conditions such as moisture, oxygen and other unfavorable factors. The nutrients are more likely degraded by the presence of enzymes in oral and esophageal digestive juices prior to being absorbed into the body. In addition, binders, fillers, gelatins and sugar are food additives that affect the absorption process. This partial assimilation caused by the incomplete disintegration of the tablet or capsule is a serious problem.

Substances are shielded by LET from the devastating and threatening results, which are likely to take place within the gastrointestinal passage. Liposomal Encapsulation employs a phospholipid liposome to construct a defense that repels the negative activities of the digestive juices, alkaline solutions, salts and free radicals of the body. The duration of this protection lasts from the moment the nutrients are on their way towards the gastrointestinal tract until the contents have reached the target tissue and are immediately taken in by the cellular structure and transferred into the intra-cellular space.

A majority of the liposomes in the LET are composed of phospholipids. All bodily cells contain a protective membrane consisting of phospholipids. This substance is required by the body to grow and function.

Phospholipid Structure

The main building blocks of all the cell membranes in the human body are the phospholipids. The three major portions of the molecule are: one head and two tails. The three molecular parts of the head are: glycerol, phosphate and choline. The hydrophilic character of the head makes it captivating to water while the long tail is composed of saturated fatty acids. The hydrophobic trait of the fatty acids makes them repelled by water. The heads of the phospholipid constructs a line side by side when placed in a water-based solution. Due to the hydrophobic tails, another phospholipid will line up tail to tail as response to this similar environment. They will be forming an identical image of each other making a natural environment of dual rows of closely packed phospholipid molecules called the phospholipid bi-layer. These bi-layers are surrounding every bodily cell. The size of one bi-layer is equivalent to 1/1000th the thickness of one book page.

All the nutrients are ably directed in and out of the cells by the different combination of proteins found in the bi-layer of the phospholipid. Just imagine there are 70 trillion bodily cells and a thousand phospholipids that are found in every single cell. Without the phospholipids, the body ceases to work properly because they are the basic building blocks of the body. Various types of phospholipids are classified based on the type of fatty acids connected to the head of the choline phosphate.

The essential poly-saturated fatty acids make the phosphatidylcholines, essential phospholipids. Liposomal capsules are created by using these phosphatidylcholine fatty acid phospholipids. Phospholipids and phosphatidylcholine are both essential to life and they have to be taken into the body.

Benefits of Phospholipids

There are many benefits derived from phospholipids. The most essential is its astounding anti-aging effect. It can decrease total serum lipid and LDL (the bad cholesterol), increase HDL (the good cholesterol), decrease triglyceride and platelet aggregation, amplify red blood cell fluidity, heighten coronary circulation, expand exercise tolerance, increase quality of memory, increase immunity, and improve liver protection and rejuvenation.

Countless research studies have been conducted on the benefits of phosphatidylcholine (PC). In addition, 500 human studies have been made to prove how PC guards and improves health of the lipids.

Of all bodily organs, the liver performs the most essential activity. Nowadays, just observe how our liver is exposed to the highest level of toxic pollutants such as gasoline, exhaust paint, fumes, pesticides, contaminated water and a lot of others. As the biggest organ, the liver is the front line of the body’s defense against these toxins. The main work of the body lipids is to detoxify and bring nourishment, including vitamins A, E, D and glycogen, to the whole body.

The liver absorbs and combines all the 100 essential enzymes needed for assimilating nutrients. The function of the liver is enormous: it filters one-half gallon of blood every minute and breaks down and detoxifies over 10,000 compounds like poisons, hormones, toxins and enzymes every day. The liver is guarded by the PC from the toxins. It requires 1000 to 2000 mg of PC daily to guard the liver from injuries caused by alcohol. Taking PC one day before exposure to radiation can protect the body against its harmful effects.

The heart, blood and the entire cardiovascular system are greatly improved by the PC for it decreases the LDL cholesterol and amplifies the HDL cholesterol. By taking in 1500 mg of PC every day for a month, studies prove that there is an increase of HDL ratio over the LDL ratio among diabetic patients in the range of 12% to 14%. The serum triglyceride and overall cholesterol level can be lowered by the PC; but the reduction depends on the length of time and the amount of the dosage. A 4.9% decrease in serum triglyceride will result by taking a 1500 mg PC dosage over a four week period. Taking in 3000 mg daily over an eight week period will reduce cholesterol by 44%. An intake of PC can bring about a maximum decrease in serum triglyceride, increase exercise tolerance and improve the function of the cardio vascular system.

A significant improvement in the muscular and leg blood flow resulted after taking 1800 mg. of PC daily for a month. A trial was conducted among a group of heart patients; they were able to walk, minus any kind of chest pains, more than 100 times further by taking only PC and not the natural glycerin.

There are several ways for PC to protect cells. First, it lessens lipid peroxidation brought about by an increased HDL and a decreased serum lipid. Secondly, the oxidized low-density lipids in the cell membranes are replaced by the PC. Thirdly, the oxidized cholesterol is eliminated by the PC. PC conducts an over-all cell repair of the lipid peroxidation. In several clinical instances, the ability of PC to limit and prevent the reverse of the peroxidation process has been demonstrated.

The essential parts of LET are the PC liposomes, which serve as the areas wherein the encapsulated supplements are delivered. Liposomes are in varied sizes, which are determined by the process they were made. Its measurement can range from hundreds of micrometers (one millionth of a meter) to under 100 nanometers (one billionth of a meter). Its structures are unilamellar (single layer), bilamellar (double layer) mutlilamellar (multi layer). PC happens naturally and the body is a bi-layer liposome that acts the best in protection and efficiency. A smaller- sized liposome is better in guarding the payloads and transverses in the human body as compared to the bigger ones; the tinier the liposome, the longer it exists and the higher its stability. There is a variety of methods in preparing a liposome. The main device in orally delivering the nutrients is the mechanical type.

There are three major classifications in categorizing the mechanical preparation process: extrusion, micro-fluidization and sonification. All compounds, including the chemicals and liposomes, will finally be decomposed by using the nutritionals. The maximum state of liposomal technology should use a liposome below 200 nanometers with a bi-layer structure and phosphatidyl-choline. Eggs and soy are the most common sources and must be stored at room temperature above freezing.

An excellent example of LET’s application to life is vitamin C. Men and a few animals are not able to produce Vitamin C but a majority of animals are able to produce Vitamin C in their livers and kidneys. Most mammals, with the exception of humans, apes and guinea pigs, do produce Vitamin C in their livers. Goats produce as much as 13,000 milligrams of Vitamin C in a day which can exceed 100,000 milligrams in the presence of pathogens and toxins. In its traditional form, oral vitamin C had a slow rate of assimilation.

Vitamin C is called the super oxidant for its ability to oxidize and neutralize free radicals. If a high dosage is needed, it is advisable to take vitamin C intravenously for more blood and tissue absorption. When taken through the mouth, only 10-15% of vitamin C is ingested because its absorption is blocked in the digestive tract. Using LET technology has greatly improved and updated the transfer of vitamin C into the cells. This is by far the best way for vitamin C to get into the hepatic system in its pure condition. Vitamin C is guarded by PC liposomes from injury done by the enzyme and gastric juices in the digestive system. Once it enters the body, PC liposomes pass through the small intestine smoothly without expending any energy. The liposomes are carried by the system to the liver in complete form and are prepared to give off their content. The PC liposomes in the liver are scattered. The polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine are ingested by the liver cells as it frees the encapsulated vitamin C. Common side effects are diarrhea and gastric discomfort, which come from the powder, capsule and tablet forms.

By using oral liposomal encapsulated vitamin C, it increases the supply of vitamin C into the cellular system much more effectively. There is no sign of any negative effects such as gastric distress, urinary output and extra load on the liver.

While liposomal encapsulation technology represents a dramatic breakthrough in delivery system, it is important to note that normal routes of delivery (such as tablets, capsules and powder forms) are still useful as they offer different and complimentary forms of nutrient bio-availability to ensure a steady blood level throughout the day as desired. Designing a comprehensive program combining various forms of delivery systems to ensure consistent nutrient delivery throughout the day requires extensive clinical experience. If done properly, one can see dramatic clinical results, and this is a hallmark of clinical excellence.

About The Author

Michael Lam, MD, MPH, ABAAM is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certification in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has authored numerous articles and the following books: The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity, How to Stay Young and Live Longer, Estrogen Dominance - Hormonal Imbalance of the 21st Century, and Beating Cancer with Natural Medicine.

For More Information

For the latest anti-aging related health issues, visit Dr. Lam at www.DrLam.com. Feel free to email Dr. Lam by clicking here if you have any questions.

Reprint Information

This article may, in its unabridged, unaltered form and in its entirety only, be reprinted and republished without permission provided that it is for personal and non commercial education use only and further provided that credit be given to the author, with copyright notice and www.DrLam.com clearly displayed as source. Written permission from Dr. Lam is required for all other use.

© 2010 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.

Related Articles:

• Comprehensive Article on Adrenal Fatigue
  Read the most complete and extensive article on the web about Adrenal Fatigue. This article covers everything you need to know about Adrenal Fatigue.
  
  
• Ovarian Adrenal Thyroid (OAT) Axis Imbalance
  Three of the most important ones for females are ovaries, adrenals, and the thyroid gland. All three organs of this axis must be in a state of optimum balance for a woman to feel good. Find out more on this state of imbalance here.
  
  
• 7 Adrenal Recovery Mistakes
  Find out what mistakes you may be making when trying to recover from Adrenal Fatigue. It may be more common than you think!
  
  
• Adrenal Fatigue Myths
  There are many misconceptions about Adrenal Fatigue. Find out common myths about Adrenal Fatigue here.
  
  
• Adrenal Fatigue and Hormone Therapy
  Hormones play an important role in Adrenal Fatigue. Find out what you should know about different hormones here.
  
  
• Adrenal Exhaustion
  Adrenal Exhaustion is the third stage of Adrenal Fatigue. Find out what signs and symptoms to watch out for here and why it affects you.
  
  
• Adrenal Fatigue and Body Types
  Everyone's body deals with Adrenal Fatigue differently. It is important to know which body type you have to help in your recovery. Read more about it here.
  
  
• Adrenal Crash and Recovery Cycle
  Do you have Adrenal Fatigue and have you crashed before? Learn about the crash and recovery cycle and its characteristics to help you and your clinician better manage the crash next time it happens.
  
  
• Adrenal Fatigue and Exercise   
  Exercise is very important in recovering from Adrenal Fatigue. Find out the key to a successful Adrenal Fatigue recovery exercise program here.
  
  
• Adrenal Fatigue Related Health Conditions
  A weak adrenal can lead to many systemic decompensatory actions and show many symptoms. Find out what else is being affected by your adrenals here.
  
  
• Adrenal Fatigue and Hypoglycemia
  People with Adrenal Fatigue experience more hypoglycemia than normal. What can you do about it? Find out here.
  
  
• Adrenal Fatigue and Blood Pressure
  Blood pressure is an important indicator of adrenal health and function. Find out more about the correlation between the two here.
  
  
• Adrenal Fatigue Recovery - Am I On The Tight Track?
  Recovery speed from Adrenal Fatigue varies greatly from person to person. Read about the three phases to recovery from Adrenal Fatigue
  
  
• Adrenal Fatigue and Toxic Relationships
  The most common stressor of Adrenal Fatigue is emotional and mental stress and distress. Find out how your relationships may be causing you stress here.
  
  
• Adrenal Fatigue and Sleep
  Adrenal Fatigue causes a variety of common problems in today’s society, from anxiety and depression, to insomnia. Read more to find out how sleep and Adrenal Fatigue go hand in hand.
  
  
• Adrenal Fatigue vs. Hypothyroidism
  Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue and Hypothyroidism can be quite close. Learn more about the differences and similarities here.


• Pantothenic Acid and Pantethine
  How does pantothenic acid and pantethine help with Adrenal Fatigue? Learn more here...
  
  
• Adrenal Fatigue Glandular and Herbal Therapy
  The use of glandular and herbs for Adrenal Fatigue is widespread. Due to the lack of standardization and research, there is widespread consumer misinformation and misuse. Find out more about the proper use for best results here.
  
  
• Ask Me Archives about Adrenal Fatigue
  Over the years many have asked me great questions about Adrenal Fatigue. Read some of these questions that have been submitted.
  
  
• Frequently Asked Questions about Adrenal Fatigue
  The most common questions regarding Adrenal Fatigue can be found here including who gets Adrenal Fatigue, common causes of Adrenal Fatigue and simple things you can do about Adrenal Fatigue.
  
  
• Estrogen dominance
  Excessive estrogen is a hallmark of Adrenal Fatigue in women when the ovarian system is involved. Common symptoms include PMS, endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles, heavy periods, hair loss, lumpy breast, and water retention. These usually normalize when the adrenals recover. Learn more here....
  
  
• Hypothyroidism
  Feeling cold? unable to loose weight? Sluggish? You can be sub-clinically hypothyroid and not know it when you have Adrenal Fatigue. Laboratory test results may be normal. Medication dosages frequently miss the mark. Here is what you must know...
  
  
• Progesterone
  Natural progesterone is a good way to balance estrogen dominance. In the presence of Adrenal Fatigue, its use must be timed properly, or results will seldom be good and may backfire. Learn more here...
  
  
• Liposomal Encapsulation Technology
  Liposomal Encapsulation Technology or LET is the newest method that is solely used by medical researchers to transfer drugs that act as healing promoters to the definite body organs. The astounding effects and advantages derived from LET is the reason why a number of nutritional companies are now utilizing this technique in orally delivering dietary supplements.
  
  

	Translate this page!