Classic or liposomal vitamin C: which one should you choose?
"Classic" or "liposomal" vitamin C: two names, two prices, and often a lot of confusion. Is the liposomal form really better? And does classic vitamin C still have its place?
At Pure Lab Nutrition, we offer both forms. Here, without bias, is what distinguishes them and how to choose the one that suits you.
📑 Contents
- Two forms of vitamin C
- What the reference study shows
- The comparison
- Which one to choose?
- In summary
Two forms of vitamin C
🍊 Classic vitamin C
This is L-ascorbic acid, the natural form of vitamin C, identical to the one found in fruit. It is simple, effective, and well-studied. Its absorption is very good at standard doses, but it decreases proportionally when taking high doses at once.
🫧 Liposomal vitamin C
Here, the vitamin C is enclosed in liposomes, tiny bubbles made of phospholipids, comparable to the membrane of our cells. The goal: to protect the vitamin C during digestion and facilitate its passage into the body. To learn more, read What is liposomal vitamin C?
What the reference study shows
In 2016, an American study published in Nutrition and Metabolic Insights (Davis et al.) compared four situations in 11 adults, each testing everything: a placebo, 4 g of classic vitamin C, 4 g of liposomal vitamin C, and 4 g of intravenous vitamin C.
- The intravenous infusion provided by far the highest blood levels
- Liposomal vitamin C provided higher blood levels than the classic form, starting two hours after ingestion
- Classic vitamin C did increase levels compared to the placebo
A note of caution: this was a small study using a very high dose (4 g), well above the usual supplement doses. The advantage of the liposomal form is especially relevant for high doses.
The comparison
| Criterion | Classic | Liposomal |
|---|---|---|
| Form | L-ascorbic acid | Vitamin C encapsulated in liposomes |
| Absorption | Very good at standard doses | Higher at high doses, according to the 2016 study |
| Digestive comfort | Acidic: can bother sensitive stomachs at high doses | Generally gentler |
| Ideal for | Short courses, simple daily use | Higher doses, sensitive stomachs |
In both cases, vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system, the reduction of fatigue, and the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Which one to choose?
🍊 Choose classic vitamin C if…
- you are looking for a simple solution for a short course
- you want a vitamin C to take anywhere
- your stomach tolerates it well
🫧 Choose liposomal vitamin C if…
- you have a sensitive stomach
- you wish to take a longer course with an advanced form
💊 Our formulas
✅ Vitamine C Instant+: L-ascorbic acid, 1,000 mg per day (2 capsules), pocket-sized format for 15 days
✅ Vitamine C liposomale: 1,000 mg, patented PureWay-C® formula
✅ Made in France
👉 Discover our Vitamine C Instant+ and our Vitamine C liposomale.
Also read: Which is the best vitamin C? and When and how to take vitamin C?
In summary
1️⃣ Two effective forms to meet your needs
2️⃣ Liposomal shows higher absorption at high doses
3️⃣ Classic remains simple and effective at standard doses
4️⃣ Choose based on your stomach and how you prefer to take your supplements
Pure Lab Nutrition ... The art of nourishing your well-being.
Sources:
- Davis J.L., Paris H.L., Beals J.W. et al. (2016). Liposomal-encapsulated Ascorbic Acid: Influence on Vitamin C Bioavailability and Capacity to Protect Against Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury. Nutrition and Metabolic Insights, 9, 25-30. PMC
- Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims. EUR-Lex
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