A single equivalent dose, randomized, parallel design pharmacokinetic study to evaluate the Comparative bioavailability of Vitamin C vs. Liposomal Vitamin C.

Link to Study
This study compared the bioavailability of Liposomal Vitamin C (T1 - Haroutine Vitamin C) and Standard Vitamin C (T2) in a randomized, single-dose, fasting trial. Key pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed to measure absorption and retention.

Absorption and Metrics

Absorption (Cmax and Tmax):

  • Cmax (Maximum Plasma Concentration):
    • T1 (Liposomal): 6.10 ± 2.75 μg/mL
    • T2 (Standard): 6.68 ± 3.14 μg/mL
    • % Difference: T1 was 8.68% lower than T2.
  • Tmax (Time to Reach Cmax):
    • T1: 3.50 hours
    • T2: 3.25 hours
    • T1 still demonstrated slightly delayed absorption compared to T2.

Retention (AUC and Half-Life):

  • AUCinf (Total Drug Exposure Over Time):
    • T1: 157.31 ± 204.51 μg·h/mL
    • T2: 92.22 ± 67.34 μg·h/mL
    • % Difference: T1 had 70.58% higher total exposure than T2.
  • Thalf (Half-Life):
    • T1: 28.99 ± 32.78 hours
    • T2: 14.91 ± 14.55 hours
    • % Difference: T1 had a 94.45% longer retention time than T2.

Statistical Insights:

  • Consistency and Elimination:
    • After removing outliers, T1 still exhibited a slower elimination rate (Kel: 0.0428 vs. 0.1468 for T2), indicating sustained release.
    • The variability (CV) for T1's AUCinf remained high (130%), while T2's AUCinf variability was reduced to 73%.
  • Outcome:
    • T1's superiority in total exposure and retention was maintained, supporting its suitability for sustained therapeutic effects.
    • T2's slight advantage in Cmax remained, indicating quicker but less durable absorption.

Inferences:

  1. Enhanced Retention with Liposomal Vitamin C:
    • T1 consistently showed higher AUCinf and Thalf, indicating prolonged absorption and therapeutic presence.
  2. Implications of Lower Cmax:
    • While T1's peak plasma concentration was slightly lower than T2, its sustained levels over time could better support applications requiring steady Vitamin C availability.
  3. Improved Consistency for Standard Vitamin C:
    • Removing outliers reduced variability for T2, enhancing its reliability in achieving higher peak concentrations.

Conclusion:

After excluding outliers, Liposomal Vitamin C (T1) continues to exhibit superior retention and total exposure metrics compared to Standard Vitamin C (T2). These findings affirm T1's potential for long-term benefits, such as immune support or skin health. However, T2 may remain a better option for immediate needs due to its higher Cmax. Further research across broader populations is recommended to confirm these results.

Back to blog