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Real Liposomes vs “Liposomal” Capsules: A Simple Liposomal NAD+ Supplement Guide

and Why Delayed-Release Can Improve Absorption

A quick summary

  • A liposomal supplement should be a liquid in water made of tiny fat bubbles called liposomes. Real products often say “shake well” and include storage instructions.

  • A powder capsule labeled "liposomal" isn't proven unless it says to mix with water first or the company shows proof that liposomes reform after mixing. Most powders are just phospholipid blends, not real liposomes.

  •  Do not expect stomach fluids to “turn powder into liposomes.” Stomach acid, bile salts, and enzymes usually break liposomes apart.

  • Delayed-release capsules serve a unique purpose. They guard nutrients in the stomach and release them in the small intestine. This area is where your body absorbs them more effectively.

What is a liposome?

 

A liposome is a tiny bubble made of phospholipids (a type of fat) with water inside. Scientists test liposomes in water, not in dry powder. That’s the state where size, structure, and contents can be measured.

Signs of a real liposomal liquid NAD+ supplement:

·       Ingredients include water and phospholipids (such as lecithin or phosphatidylcholine).

·       The label says “shake well.”

·       The label gives storage instructions (like “keep cool,” “refrigerate,” or “use within X days after opening”).

These clues exist because liposomes in water can be sensitive to heat and time.


Are “liposomal powders in capsules” real?

 

The answer is: Sometimes. But only in special forms that are meant to be dried and then mixed back into water.

Two main cases:

  • Lyophilized liposomes (freeze-dried liposomes): These are dried to extend their shelf life. Then, they are mixed with water before use.

  • Proliposomes: dry forms that can turn into liposomes when mixed with water.

Without these designs and a clear “mix with water” step, the product is likely just a phospholipid powder, not true liposomes.


What does “reconstitution” mean?


Reconstitution means adding water to a dry product so it turns back into liposomes before you take it. It’s like adding water to soup powder to make soup again. A true “liposomal powder” will typically tell you to mix it with water. You'll often see data after mixing, like bubble size, percent filled, or microscope pictures.


Does stomach fluid count as reconstitution?


No—don’t count on it. In your stomach and intestine, liposomes face strong acid, bile salts, and enzymes. These usually break the liposomes apart. Some nutrients may still be absorbed in other ways, but it’s not the same as taking a proven liposome liquid. If a product expects liposomes to form inside your body, the company should provide proof for that formula.


The 30-second label check for liposomal NAD+ supplements


  • Form: Liquids are more likely to be real liposomal supplements. Capsules with powder need extra care.

  • Ingredients: Liquids should list water + phospholipids. Powders should say “mix with water” if they are truly liposomal.

  • Usage: Liquids often say “shake well.”

  • Storage: Liquids usually list temperature or refrigeration instructions.

  • Bonus: Some brands share details such as particle size, percent filled (encapsulation), or microscope images. This is strong proof.

How delayed-release capsules improve absorption


Goal: Move the nutrient past the stomach and into the small intestine. This is where most nutrients get absorbed.


How it works: OptiNourish uses delayed-release capsules. These capsules have a unique plant-based shell made from hypromellose and pectin. This shell resists stomach acid for about an hour. Then, it breaks down in the small intestine, where the pH is higher. This makes sure the capsule opens where nutrients can be absorbed more effectively. This helps the nutrient reach the main absorption site more effectively.


Conclusion: which should you choose?


Choose liposomal liquids when the product appears as a liquid in water. Check the label for water, shake, and storage instructions. (e.g., liposomal vitamin C, liposomal glutathione, liposomal curcumin).

Choose delayed-release capsules if you want to get nutrients past the stomach. This helps with better absorption in the small intestine. You won't need to rely on delicate liposomes.


References (open-access or authoritative)

1) U.S. FDA CDER. Liposome Drug Products: Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls; Human Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability; Labeling (Guidance for Industry, 2021). https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/liposome-drug-products-chemistry-manufacturing-and-controls-human-pharmacokinetics-and

2) Franzé S, Selmin F, et al. Lyophilization of Liposomal Formulations: Still Necessary, Still Challenging. Pharmaceutics. 2018. (Freeze-drying and reconstitution issues; characterization after mixing.) https://air.unimi.it/bitstream/2434/585893/2/2018%20Lyophilization%20of%20Liposomal.pdf

3) Chu C, et al. Proliposomes for oral delivery of dehydrosilymarin. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2011. (Dry precursors designed to form liposomes upon hydration.) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4003120/

4) He H, et al. Adapting liposomes for oral drug delivery. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2018. (GI barriers; instability of vesicles in GI conditions.) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6362257/

5) Lee MK. Liposomes for Enhanced Bioavailability of Water-Insoluble Drugs. Int J Nanomedicine. 2020. (Encapsulation and behavior; GI considerations.) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7151102/

6) Nikam A, et al. A Systematic Overview of Eudragit®-Based Copolymer for Oral Delivery. Pharmaceutics. 2023. (Enteric Eudragit® grades; pH-triggered release.) https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/15/2/587

7) Maderuelo C, et al. Enteric coating of oral solid dosage forms as a tool to improve drug bioavailability. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2019. (Why enteric = stomach bypass + intestinal release.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31374253/

8) Hua S, et al. Advances in Oral Drug Delivery for Regional Targeting in the GI Tract. Front Pharmacol. 2020. (Small-intestine targeting; regional release.) https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.00524/full

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