Vitamin C is essential for human health, and its deficiency can lead to serious consequences. But what is the best form to ensure adequate intake? And how can we know if our body has enough? Let’s find out.
Vitamin C in a Nutshell
Many of our body’s vital functions depend on a sufficient supply of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Unlike most animals, the human body cannot produce this substance due to an ancient genetic mutation that disabled one of the key enzymes needed for its synthesis. The reason for this evolutionary change remains unclear, but what’s certain is that vitamin C is indispensable for a range of physiological functions.
It is necessary for the normal function of the immune and nervous systems, mental health, antioxidant protection of cells, reducing fatigue and exhaustion, enhancing iron absorption from food, and collagen production, which is vital for healthy blood vessels, bones, cartilage, skin, gums, and teeth. Immune and nervous system cells have the highest demand for vitamin C, with its concentration in these cells being significantly higher than in blood plasma.
The best-known historical example of vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, a condition that afflicted sailors with restricted diets. Surprisingly, this “ancient” disease still occurs today for similar reasons.
Absorption Challenges
Due to its vital role, it is crucial to ensure adequate vitamin C intake. While the primary source should be diet—especially fruits and vegetables—studies show that even in developed countries, many people are deficient. That’s why supplementation with carefully selected products is often recommended.
There are many forms of vitamin C on the market. However, the form matters because it affects how much the body can absorb and utilize. Regular forms (like water-soluble tablets) require transport molecules in the gut for absorption. These transporters have limited capacity, so excess vitamin C is excreted or chemically altered, which may cause digestive issues. Furthermore, some individuals may have non-functional transporters due to genetic defects, limiting absorption.
To overcome these challenges, a new form—liposomal vitamin C—has been developed. It bypasses these limitations by not requiring these transporters for absorption.
What Is a Liposome?
Liposomal vitamin C is typically encapsulated in microscopic phospholipid spheres or otherwise combined with phospholipids—compounds naturally found in cell membranes. The intestinal wall perceives liposomes differently than "unshielded" vitamin C, and their absorption is not limited by the intestinal transporters.
Unlike traditional vitamin C, the liposomal form is absorbed via two pathways: through M cells in the intestinal mucosa (part of the immune system) and via enterocytes, which transfer vitamin C to the lymphatic system and into the bloodstream. This dual absorption method results in much higher blood levels of vitamin C than standard formulations.
Benefits of Liposomal Technology
Liposomal vitamin C offers several advantages. Thanks to its phospholipid coating, it is perceived as “self” by intestinal cells and does not rely on standard vitamin C transporters. Clinical studies have confirmed improved absorption.
It provides higher blood concentrations, leading to greater availability to cells in the immune, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. Vitamin C is released gradually from the liposome, extending its presence in the bloodstream and supporting cellular function longer. This also protects the gut from oxalates, which can form from large doses of regular vitamin C and cause irritation.
How Common Is Vitamin C Deficiency?
Vitamin C deficiency increases the risk of many diseases—particularly infections, but also cardiovascular and other serious illnesses. During illness, vitamin C stores deplete faster due to immune system demands.
Surprisingly, vitamin C deficiency is not limited to developing regions. In countries like Ecuador, up to 60% of the population is deficient; in Uganda, up to 70%. But even in Europe, studies show that about 20% of people don’t consume enough vitamin C. Causes include poor dietary habits, extreme diets, or economic constraints.
How to Know If You’re Deficient?
Lab testing blood levels of vitamin C is expensive and not routinely performed. However, you can use urine test strips that provide a rough estimate. These strips contain a color indicator that changes upon contact with urine, and the color is compared to a scale indicating vitamin C concentrations.
A yellow color indicates a healthy level (≥100 mg/dl). Lower values appear as various shades of green to blue-green (50, 20, 10, 1 mg/dl). In the Czech Republic, these test strips are available under the name Uro C-Kontrol, included with Lipo C Askor supplements.
How to React to the Test Result?
If your vitamin C levels are normal, maintain your current intake. If they are low, increase your dose and retest until your levels normalize. Liposomal forms are ideal for supplementation.
Lipo C Askor is one such supplement, and its packaging includes Uro C-Kontrol test strips. It also contains rosehip extract, which provides flavonoids that protect vitamin C from oxidation and enhance its stability. Rosehip also supplies vitamins A, E, K, B-complex, and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, along with polyphenols and carotenoids. It supports immunity and contributes to the normal function of the respiratory, digestive, and renal systems.