Liposomal Vitamin C: What the Evidence Says
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Liposomal vitamin C is vitamin C wrapped in phospholipid bubbles. In a 2025 review of 10 human studies, 9 found it was absorbed better than standard vitamin C, with peak blood levels 1.2 to 5.4 times higher. Most adults can get enough vitamin C from food. A supplement is a top-up, and the liposomal form is designed to absorb more of each dose.
How much vitamin C do you need?
The NHS says adults aged 19 to 64 need 40mg of vitamin C a day, and the Nutrient Reference Value on labels is 80mg. Good food sources include oranges, peppers, strawberries, broccoli and potatoes. Your body cannot store vitamin C, so you need it every day.
The problem with high-dose regular vitamin C
Vitamin C is absorbed well at everyday amounts, but the share absorbed falls as the dose rises. Above about 1g a day, less than half is absorbed, and the rest leaves the body. The NHS notes that more than 1,000mg a day can cause stomach pain, diarrhoea and wind.
What the research on liposomal vitamin C shows
- 2025 scoping review (Carr): 10 human studies. 9 found higher bioavailability for liposomal vitamin C: 1.2 to 5.4 times higher peak levels and 1.3 to 7.2 times higher total absorption. The review also flags gaps: few studies measured uptake into cells or actual health effects.
- Crossover trial (PubMed 32901526): liposomal vitamin C produced higher blood levels than the same dose of standard vitamin C.
- Our manufacturer's study: found up to 12x higher absorption for its liposomal vitamin C in 40 healthy volunteers. This was manufacturer-run and has not been independently peer-reviewed.
Liposomal vs regular vitamin C
| Regular vitamin C | Liposomal vitamin C | |
|---|---|---|
| Absorption | Good at low doses, falls at high doses | Higher in 9 of 10 studies reviewed |
| Format | Tablets, powders, chewables | Liquids and gels |
| Cost | Cheaper | Costs more to make |
| Best for | Basic top-up alongside a good diet | Getting more from each dose |
What vitamin C does
Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system, to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Where Absorble fits
Each 10ml serving of the Absorble Daily Shot contains 112mg of vitamin C (140% NRV) as sodium ascorbate, a buffered form, in liposomal delivery, alongside 17 other vitamins and minerals. See them all on our ingredients page.
Keep reading
- Liposomal vitamins, explained
- "Clinically proven" vs "clinically tested"
- Why vitamin D matters more in winter
Sources
- Carr AC (2025). Do liposomal vitamin C formulations have improved bioavailability? A scoping review. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Evaluation and clinical comparison studies on liposomal and non-liposomal ascorbic acid and their enhanced bioavailability (PubMed 32901526)
- NHS: Vitamin C
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C fact sheet
- GOV.UK: Great Britain nutrition and health claims register
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking a new supplement.
