Complementary Medicine, VMS (Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements), and Nutraceuticals – these buzzwords are everywhere in our industry. While they can sometimes feel overwhelming or overused, they play a crucial role in our customers' well-being journey. New technologies are transforming traditional supplements, elevating them from standard forms to next-level health solutions.

These days, reading a supplement label can feel like you need a PhD! With so many factors to consider when recommending a product, decisions in pharmacy often rely on price or advice from sales reps. While these factors are helpful, are we truly offering the best healthcare solutions? In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook doing our due diligence. Are we fully exploring the options and understanding what those labels really mean?

Time is precious, so through my snippets, I aim to provide you with concise, informative content to empower your decisions in pharmacy.

First on my list is a technology that has gained significant traction in the nutraceutical industry: liposomal technology, known for enhancing the bioavailability and efficiency of nutrients. If I were to paint a picture of how it works, I’d say imagine this technology as "armed guards" protecting the nutrient and escorting it safely to the desired location in the body—ensuring none of it “wanders off” and the full amount reaches its destination.

These "guards," officially called liposomes, are spherical vesicles made of phospholipid bilayers that can encapsulate both water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds. They work by "trapping" nutrients within the water or fat-soluble sections of these spheres.

The key benefits of liposomal technology include:

• Increased bioavailability and absorption: Nutrients are better absorbed, delivered to the right location, and protected from the harsh environment of the digestive system.

• Minimal gastrointestinal irritation: Liposomes bypass much of the digestive process, entering the lymphatic system more directly.

• Enhanced nutrient stability: Liposomes protect nutrients from degradation and oxidation, extending their effectiveness.

However, these benefits come with a cost. Producing liposomal products is expensive, which often results in a higher price point. But don’t let that deter you! The superior absorption and bioavailability of this technology make it especially valuable for vitamins with naturally lower absorption rates or those easily broken down by stomach acid—like Vitamin C, D, iron, and curcumin, just to name a few.

References:

 Sercombe, L., Veerati, T., Moheimani, F., Wu, S. Y., Sood, A. K., & Hua, S. (2015). Advances and challenges of liposomal drug delivery systems in cancer therapy. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 6, 286. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2015.00286

Łukawski, M., Dałek, P., Borowik, T., Foryś, A., Langner, M., Witkiewicz, W., & Przybyło, M. (2019). New oral liposomal vitamin C formulation: Properties and bioavailability. Journal of Liposome Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/08982104.2019.1630642

Malhotra, J., Garg, R., Malhotra, N., & Agrawal, P. (2017). Oral liposomal iron: A treatment proposal for anemia. World Journal of Anemia, 1(4), 1-6.

Żurek, G., Przybyło, M., Witkiewicz, W., & Langner, M. (2023). Novel approach for the approximation of vitamin D3 pharmacokinetics from in vivo absorption studies. Pharmaceutics, 15(3), 783. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15030783

About the Author:

Callen Pereira is a dedicated advocate for advancing patient care by raising awareness of chronic health conditions and highlighting the integral role of complementary medicine in improving patient outcomes. Her expertise lies in transforming complex medical information into accessible content, enhancing digital literacy, and streamlining strategies that optimize pharmaceutical goals and return on investment. Callen has extensive experience in evaluating healthcare technology systems and educational materials, ensuring they align with the pharmaceutical sector’s objectives. Her focus on innovation and continuous improvement drives her to deliver impactful, patient-centered results in every aspect.