Nutritional supplements and most medications are meant to target specific physical systems or organs. Intravenous drip and injection are the most effective methods of delivery, transferring necessary chemicals directly to the blood. When swallowed, medications usually face degradation in the acids of the upper digestive tract. Liposomal encapsulation creates a protective barrier, ultimately allowing more complete absorption.
Medical scientists first became aware of this process than fifty years ago, leading to the development of newer and more effective methods of drug delivery. The process is currently being used during treatment of serious conditions such as stubborn fungal infections, some kinds of cancers, and even age-related conditions leading to loss of vision. While standard medication delivery methods are still predominant, the encapsulation approach is also proving beneficial.
For a medication to pass through the upper digestive tract without being dissolved, it must be protected by a safe and non-toxic barrier. The substance used to encapsulate these drugs is an organic material that closely mimics human cellular walls, making it safer to ingest. After it has been activated by using one of three common processes, small bubbles of liposomes are formed around the tiny grains of medication.
They are microscopic, and permit the medication protected inside to safely reach the bloodstream via the small intestine, where they are directly absorbed. This not only improves the overall therapeutic intent in many cases, but can also reduce the possibility of harmful side effects. Not all medications are suitable for this method of delivery, which is most effective with water-soluble drugs.
Because the process is not invasive and generates fewer negative reactions, there are immediately and obvious advantages. Liposomes are completely biodegradable, and contain no petroleum-derived compounds or other unwanted toxic substances. They easily survive an onslaught of powerful acid, and later function as mini time-release stations within the small intestine. Powerful cancer drugs administered in this way create less collateral damage to surrounding tissues.
While being used successfully today in many hospitals, there are some drawbacks. Production costs are comparatively high, but are subject to a natural decrease as product use expands. Seal leakage has been an issue in some cases, and simple oxidation processes can diminish effectiveness. Certain drugs may experience a diminished half-life, and their long-term viability may be reduced. Even with these known issues, positive benefits exceed negative reports.
The past ten years have witnessed a transition from primarily medical use to include delivery of cosmetic and nutritional substances. There is ample anecdotal evidence touting the additional well-being that may result from delivering common vitamin dosages in this fashion. Many people subscribe to the idea that vitamin C is a natural enemy of upper respiratory infections, and also believe that this type of delivery increases effectiveness.
Although information highlighting consumer ability to create encapsulated vitamins, minerals, and even herbal extracts is readily available, making high-quality formulations can be costly and involved, and will not effectively combat the normal issues associated with aging. As support and development of this process continues in the medical world, the public will benefit most from it being used in conjunction with health regimens that have already been proven effective.
Medical scientists first became aware of this process than fifty years ago, leading to the development of newer and more effective methods of drug delivery. The process is currently being used during treatment of serious conditions such as stubborn fungal infections, some kinds of cancers, and even age-related conditions leading to loss of vision. While standard medication delivery methods are still predominant, the encapsulation approach is also proving beneficial.
For a medication to pass through the upper digestive tract without being dissolved, it must be protected by a safe and non-toxic barrier. The substance used to encapsulate these drugs is an organic material that closely mimics human cellular walls, making it safer to ingest. After it has been activated by using one of three common processes, small bubbles of liposomes are formed around the tiny grains of medication.
They are microscopic, and permit the medication protected inside to safely reach the bloodstream via the small intestine, where they are directly absorbed. This not only improves the overall therapeutic intent in many cases, but can also reduce the possibility of harmful side effects. Not all medications are suitable for this method of delivery, which is most effective with water-soluble drugs.
Because the process is not invasive and generates fewer negative reactions, there are immediately and obvious advantages. Liposomes are completely biodegradable, and contain no petroleum-derived compounds or other unwanted toxic substances. They easily survive an onslaught of powerful acid, and later function as mini time-release stations within the small intestine. Powerful cancer drugs administered in this way create less collateral damage to surrounding tissues.
While being used successfully today in many hospitals, there are some drawbacks. Production costs are comparatively high, but are subject to a natural decrease as product use expands. Seal leakage has been an issue in some cases, and simple oxidation processes can diminish effectiveness. Certain drugs may experience a diminished half-life, and their long-term viability may be reduced. Even with these known issues, positive benefits exceed negative reports.
The past ten years have witnessed a transition from primarily medical use to include delivery of cosmetic and nutritional substances. There is ample anecdotal evidence touting the additional well-being that may result from delivering common vitamin dosages in this fashion. Many people subscribe to the idea that vitamin C is a natural enemy of upper respiratory infections, and also believe that this type of delivery increases effectiveness.
Although information highlighting consumer ability to create encapsulated vitamins, minerals, and even herbal extracts is readily available, making high-quality formulations can be costly and involved, and will not effectively combat the normal issues associated with aging. As support and development of this process continues in the medical world, the public will benefit most from it being used in conjunction with health regimens that have already been proven effective.
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