The problem with the label 'liposomal'
Search online and you will find dozens of products with 'liposomal' on the label. The term sounds scientific and justifies a higher price. However, what is in the jar is not always truly liposomal.
In Europe, there is no legal requirement to demonstrate that a product actually contains liposomal structures before you can call it 'liposomal'. A manufacturer can mix ascorbic acid with sunflower lecithin powder and sell it as 'liposomal vitamin C'. Such a product contains the same ingredients as a real liposomal product, but it is not the same thing.
What real liposomes are
A real liposome is a small sphere with a double layer of phospholipids, having a specific particle size (typically 50–200 nm), a measurable encapsulation efficiency, and an interior space containing the active ingredient. Liposomes only form under controlled conditions using specialized equipment. Simply mixing a nutrient with lecithin does not produce liposomes, but rather a mixture with a thin layer of lecithin.
8 questions to ask a manufacturer
1. Is there imagery of the particles (TEM)?
With transmission electron microscopy (TEM), you can visualize highly magnified particles and see if spherical vesicles with a double layer are present. Ask if such analyses have been performed.
2. Has the particle size been measured (DLS)?
Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measures the particle size distribution. Real liposomes are between 50 and 200 nanometers. A general term like 'nanoparticles' means little without measurement data.
3. How uniform are the particles (PDI)?
The polydispersity index (PDI) indicates how uniform the particle size is. A PDI below 0.3 indicates a fairly uniform preparation.
4. How much of the active ingredient is actually in the liposomes?
The encapsulation efficiency shows what percentage of the active ingredient is actually inside the liposomes. If that is low, most of the substance is outside of them, and the product misses the purpose of liposomal delivery.
5. How are the liposomes made?
A serious producer can explain which technology is used, such as microfluidization, extrusion, or thin-film hydration. If a company cannot explain how the liposomes are created, that is a reason to ask further questions.
6. Which phospholipids are used?
Good liposomal supplements use pure phosphatidylcholine as the main lipid. Look for products that state the source and purity of the phospholipids, not just 'lecithin'.
7. Liquid or dry: how stable is the product?
Liquid liposomal products require refrigeration or preservatives to remain stable, because phospholipids in water oxidize over time. A liquid product that has a long shelf life at room temperature, without listed preservatives, warrants a critical look.
8. How is the production quality monitored?
Ask under what quality certification the product is manufactured, such as FSSC 22000, and how every production batch is checked before it is released.
Signs to be alert to
- No clear explanation of how the liposomes are made
- Vague terms like 'nano-encapsulated' without substantiation
- Lecithin as a nearly negligible ingredient (less than 5%), too little for real liposome formation
- Liquid product that is shelf-stable at room temperature without listed preservatives
- No information about the production quality certification
- A price that is significantly lower than that of comparable liposomal products
How PPH approaches quality
Plant Physiology Health was founded on the conviction that the supplement market needs more honesty. PPH products are made in an FSSC 22000-certified production environment in the Netherlands, independently audited by Kiwa Nederland B.V. Every production batch is checked for quality there before it is released. On our Lab analyses page, you can read how we monitor quality. If you have a question about a specific batch, email us the batch number.
Conclusion
Liposomal supplements can have added value, but only if the product actually contains liposomes. If you are in doubt about a product labeled 'liposomal', ask the producer the questions above.
Your vitality is not optional — it is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Antimisiaris, S.G. et al. (2021). Overcoming Challenges with Liposomal Drug Delivery. Nanomaterials. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7999544/
- Scioli Montoto, S. et al. (2020). Oral Bioavailability of Drugs: Issues and Solutions. AAPS PharmSciTech. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32399899/
- EFSA (2018). Guidance on safety assessment of nanomaterials in food and feed. EFSA Journal.
