Since the 1970s, liposomes have been used by medical professionals to deliver medication directly to the area or organ where it is needed. It was also discovered that liposomes provided a slow release effect, which lowered the adverse affects of some medications, especially cancer treatments. More recently, liposomes have been utilized in the cosmetic and nutrient supplement industries, since it was discovered that liposome technology greatly increases the absorption of nutrients.

A liposome is described as a fluid-filled pouch, microscopic in size, which has phospholipids in its walls. These phospholipids are identical to those found naturally in cell membranes throughout the body. Liposomes can directly deliver substances to the cells and into the blood stream much more efficiently than the body is able to on its own.

Another benefit of liposomal delivery is that the lipids used to create the molecules are fatty substances like lecithin, and these are effectively the building blocks of all cells, needed for replacement and repair of membranes. Modern diet and lifestyles drastically affect cell walls and this adversely affects the uptake of oxygen and nutrients by the cells. The effect of the liposomal delivery is increased health at a cellular level.

Research has shown that there are several life threatening conditions which can be effectively treated using a liposomal delivery system. These include Parkinson's disease, autism, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, congestive heart disease and even aging.

Nutrients and the components of some medications are frequently improperly absorbed by the body but liposomes have been found to increase the amount these substances are absorbed. CoQ10 is a classic example; it absorption rate is generally around 3 to 5 percent but when it is delivered in a liposome system, it shoots up to more than 90 percent.

Liposomal Encapsulation Technology is the name given to the technique of using these liposomes to get the required nutrient or medication to the targeted area in the body. Oral supplements and medicines might be broken down as they pass through the digestive tract, meaning that the full strength does not each the blood stream to be carried to where it is needed. This also means that the strength of the dose can be reduced with no loss of efficacy, also saving money and medical resources.

One good example of the use of LET is with vitamin C. Vitamin C is renowned for its ability to neutralize free radicals and is recognized as a factor in the treatment of many ailments. Humans are not able to produce vitamin C in the body and so it needs to be taken in through diet. Oral vitamin C supplements have a low absorption rate and a slow assimilation rate. Previously, the best way to get high doses of the vitamin was with intravenous injections which increased its absorption. LET enhances the transfer of vitamin C directly to the cells, greatly improving its uptake, even over injections, without any side effects.

Nutrition companies have started to use LET in some of their oral dietary and nutritional over-the-counter supplements. Check out what is available in the liposome technology when shopping for supplements. Do some research into how to make your own liposome nutritional supplements yourself at home.