Introducing Ask Dr. Shilpa

Science can feel complicated, but your wellness routine doesn’t have to. That’s why we’re launching Ask Dr. Shilpa, a new Q&A series where we turn to Dr. Shilpa, Vice President of Research and Development at Cymbiotika, to answer the big questions about health, supplements, and the science behind them.

With her background in research and product innovation, Dr. Shilpa has a knack for breaking down complex topics into insights you can actually use in your everyday life. In this series, she’ll help demystify everything from cutting-edge delivery systems to the nutrients that really move the needle for your health.

For our very first installment, we’re diving into Liposomes 101: what they are, why they matter, and how they’re changing the way our bodies absorb essential nutrients.

Ask Dr. Shilpa: Liposomes 101

What exactly is a liposome, and how does it differ from standard delivery methods?

A liposome is a bilayered sphere composed of phospholipids that has both water-loving and fat-loving properties (amphiphilic). Nutrients are encapsulated within the liposome — water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C are in the hydrophilic core, whereas fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D are in the lipid bilayer. This helps protect them from degradation in the harsh environment of the stomach.

Additionally, a liposome is structurally similar to our cell membranes, which helps it fuse with the membrane, facilitating direct uptake and improving absorption.

Why is absorption such a big issue with traditional supplements — and how do liposomes solve it?

Many vitamins and nutrients are poorly absorbed due to several factors. First, they need to be stable and not degrade in stomach acid. Liposomes encapsulate the nutrient within their structure, protecting them from degradation.

Second, solubility matters. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and requires the intake of fatty food for better absorption. Vitamin C is water-soluble, so at high doses, the body simply excretes it — meaning a lot is wasted. Liposomes provide the right hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (fat-loving) balance, giving these nutrients the help they need.

Lastly, there can be limitations in the absorption pathway through the intestinal cell membrane. For example, B and C vitamins rely on carrier-mediated transport. However, these carriers can become saturated, meaning the remaining vitamins cannot be absorbed. Because liposomes are structurally similar to our cell membranes, they open up other pathways, enhancing absorption typically 2–6 times more.

Are all liposomal supplements created equal, or are there quality differences?

There is a lot of misuse of the term “liposomal” in our industry. Liposomes can only be created and remain stable in a water environment — so beware of any liposomal product offered as a powder.

Liposomes require complex technology, precise formulation expertise, and advanced handling and manufacturing. Look for brands that provide information on testing, characterization, or clinical data.

What nutrients benefit most from liposomal delivery?

Examples of nutrients that benefit most from liposomal delivery include vitamin C, all B vitamins, vitamin D, glutathione, omega-3s, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, and CoQ10.

That said, if done correctly, all nutrients can benefit from liposomal delivery. However, many factors impact liposome quality. One is the size of the nutrient: very large molecules create very large liposomes, which is not ideal. So if someone offers you a “liposomal protein,” it’s not really useful.

It’s important to study the properties of the nutrients, combine the right ingredients in the formula, and prepare liposomes using robust manufacturing methods.

How does Cymbiotika’s liposomal technology compare to others on the market?

Active ingredients: We first study the size of the active we want to encapsulate and whether the nutrient will benefit from liposomal technology. We only source high-quality, bioavailable forms of actives — think folate instead of cheap folic acid.

Formulation: We use all-natural food ingredients, sourcing and combining them with intention. Our formula with glycerin (aka glycerosomes) provides superior stability compared to only water-based liposomes. The healthy fats and phosphatidylcholine enhance nutrient uptake in the body.

Manufacturing: We use a state-of-the-art, robust manufacturing process.

Packaging: We use individual packets to keep our liposomal formulas stable over time.

Testing: We’ve tested our products to confirm liposome structure using Cryo-TEM imaging. We also perform particle size analysis and are moving into human clinical trials soon.