Liposomal iron. Chances are, you’ve never heard of it. But this advanced nutrient delivery system is changing the supplement game.
Every supplement that enters your body has a specific destination in mind. Its goal is to get there fully intact, without losing its contents along the way. The only problem? It has to pass through your entire digestive system first, which is full of acids trying to break the supplement down so it can be absorbed. By the time the supplement reaches its destination, it’s lost a lot of its nutrients.
That’s where liposomes come in. Supplements in liposomal form stay protected the whole journey. The result? Next-level absorption and bioavailability, with fewer side effects. Let’s explore how it all works.
What are liposomes?
Liposomes are like supplement security guards. They are tiny containers that carry nutrients directly to cells and body tissue, where they can be absorbed. Liposomes surround the nutrient, protect it from harm, and transport it where it needs to go. Best of all, they aren’t impacted by other elements, like stomach acid, along the way.
How do liposomal supplements work?
Bear with us—we’re about to get a bit sciencey. Every cell in your body has a membrane that keeps bad pathogens out and allows good nutrients in. However, some larger molecules need extra help to get through the membrane. Enter: liposomal delivery.
Think of it like VIP access. After the “security guard” liposomes get the supplement safely to the cell, they flash their backstage pass so the nutrients can enter the cell.
Take iron pills, for example. A liposomal iron supplement, like Ferosom, is transported directly to the cells in the intestine, instead of getting broken down in the stomach. This ensures that the cells can absorb as much iron as possible. From there, the iron turns into hemoglobin, which helps the red blood cells carry oxygen through the body.
It’s no wonder liposomal supplements are getting more and more popular. But if you can believe it, their benefits go far beyond effectiveness.
What are the 5 benefits of liposomal iron supplements?
There are so many reasons to love liposomal iron pills (especially for supplement nerds like us), but we narrowed it down to the 5 core benefits.
- Fewer gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.
GI struggles can be a huge deterrent when it comes to iron supplements. Most iron pills cause harsh side effects like bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and stomach pains. That’s because stomach acid and bacteria dissolves most of the supplement inside the stomach, where all that unabsorbed iron is now free to roam and wreak havoc on your GI system.
The beauty of liposomal iron is that it bypasses the stomach and goes right to the small intestine to be absorbed. So you can get all the iron you need—without the side effects you most definitely don’t.
- Smaller, more effective doses.
Safe dosing is important in the supplement world. High doses can sometimes cause more harm than good. For example, too much iron can cause inflammation, ulcers, and even organ failure.
Since liposomal iron has higher absorption and better bioavailability, a much smaller dose is all you need to get even better results than a regular iron supplement.
What is bioavailability you ask? In a nutshell, it’s the percentage of the dose that makes it to the bloodstream or tissues to be absorbed. The higher the bioavailability, the more effective the supplement is.
- Convenient and caffeine-friendly.
Calcium, hepcidin, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and even caffeine can all hinder iron absorption. Most iron supplements must be taken at specific times, with or without certain foods, to decrease your chances of losing iron.
Why caffeine? Caffeinated drinks, like coffee, contain natural compounds called polyphenols that bind to iron in the digestive tract and prevent absorption. Luckily, liposomal iron shields the supplement from polyphenols and other deterrents. So you can take your iron with or without food—and even while enjoying your morning coffee.
- Higher absorption in the intestines and cells.
Remember how we said liposomes get VIP access to your cells? There’s a reason for that. Liposomes are made up of a similar material to cell membranes. This makes it easier for cells to recognize, absorb, and use liposomes.
As a result, liposomal iron supplements can enter the intestines and cells with ease, ensuring the highest percentage of iron can actually be used by the body.
- Great alternative for chronic digestive issues.
A 2013 study found that about 50% of people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also have iron deficiency. Similarly, over a third of people with Crohn’s disease and over half of people with celiac disease struggle with mild to serious anemia. What gives?
Symptoms of chronic digestive conditions, like IBS, can make it harder for your body to absorb and store iron. For example, diarrhea can cause iron to quickly leave the body before it’s absorbed. People with digestive issues also tend to avoid some iron-rich foods because they can make symptoms worse. All of this is a perfect storm for iron deficiency anemia to develop.
Here’s the kicker: a lot of iron pills can make digestive symptoms worse, which is a risky move for someone who lives with a chronic GI condition. So the same symptoms that cause low iron can also stop you from getting more iron. Quite the conundrum.
Liposomal iron supplements are an excellent alternative for people with digestive conditions. They protect against GI side effects to boost iron levels, without aggravating the GI tract. 88% of people who take Ferosom, for example, don’t experience any side effects—making it a popular choice for those with Crohn’s and other bowel challenges.
What is the most effective liposomal iron supplement?
Ferosom is a Liposomal iron supplement with the highest absorption rate on the market—and the fewest side effects. Available in both capsule and sachet form, Ferosom is an effective solution for those who struggle with iron deficiency anemia.
Curious if Ferosom is the best iron supplement for you? Talk to your doctor about the benefits of liposomal iron and how to treat your unique iron needs.
