STRUCTURE

A liposome, often called a vesicle, is an extremely small bubble. It is invisible to us, at about 1/2 the width of a human hair, but we have magnified one 50,000 times. Liposomes have a fat-soluble exterior and an interior that is watery. This watery interior can combine with water soluble materials such as glutathione. Our liposomes are multi-layered, as you can see in the diagram to the right.

Liposomes are made from the same type of material as our cell membranes, phospholipids.  The phospholipids in our liposomes are derived from lecithin, which comes from oil extracted from soy, not soy protein. 

The unique structure of liposomes allows them to encapsulate biologically active ingredients. In this case the liposomes keep glutathione in its “reduced”, or biologically active state.  The liposomes in our product are very stable, which allows use in an oral drink.

HOW THEY WORK

Because they are made of the same type of material as our cell membranes, liposomes penetrate mucosal tissues allowing for rapid release into the blood stream.  Nutrients that are not in liposomes have to pass through the stomach to reach the liver where they are metabolized and released into the bloodstream.  Some nutrients are destroyed or compromised by stomach acids.  Liposomes avoid the digestive system by penetrating the mucosal tissue.

A scientific article published in 1965 in the Journal of Molecular Biology (Bangham, A.D.et al) described these vesicles for the first time and explained their similarity to human membranes. Since that time liposomes have been the subject of great interest and study. Because of their adaptability, liposomes have a wide range of applications – from delivering anti-cancer drugs to providing gene therapy and skin care. To date, more than 35,000 articles have been published in scientific journals regarding liposomes.