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 drugs to survive the upper digestive tract intact, they need to be protected by some kind of barrier that does not cause any additional physical problems. The best solution so far is to create microscopic drug capsules using a material that is already a part of cellular walls throughout the human organism. When activated using one of three primary methods available today, tiny protective liposome bubbles are formed.
These individual capsules can be ingested together in a medium, and are shielded from damage until they can be absorbed into the bloodstream via the small intestine. In many cases this process improves the overall therapeutic goal, with the added benefit of fewer side effects. While a significant improvement, this method of delivery does not accommodate all drugs, and works best with water-soluble medications.
There are fewer unwanted physical reactions, and immediate advantages for patients. Because lipsomes are biodegradable and always physically compatible, they leave no toxic substances behind. Not only can they survive an attack by harsh digestive acids, but later function as tiny time-release agents within the intestine. Many drugs used to fight cancer can create collateral damage, and this form of delivery provides greater control.
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 there is currently widespread information available outlining personal production of encapsulated herbs, vitamins and minerals, making medical-quality products is costly and complicated, and is not a panacea for the problems associated with aging. As uses for this drug delivery process continue to grow, consumers will benefit most from its incorporation into health regimens that are already known to be beneficial.
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 drugs to survive the upper digestive tract intact, they need to be protected by some kind of barrier that does not cause any additional physical problems. The best solution so far is to create microscopic drug capsules using a material that is already a part of cellular walls throughout the human organism. When activated using one of three primary methods available today, tiny protective liposome bubbles are formed.
These individual capsules can be ingested together in a medium, and are shielded from damage until they can be absorbed into the bloodstream via the small intestine. In many cases this process improves the overall therapeutic goal, with the added benefit of fewer side effects. While a significant improvement, this method of delivery does not accommodate all drugs, and works best with water-soluble medications.
There are fewer unwanted physical reactions, and immediate advantages for patients. Because lipsomes are biodegradable and always physically compatible, they leave no toxic substances behind. Not only can they survive an attack by harsh digestive acids, but later function as tiny time-release agents within the intestine. Many drugs used to fight cancer can create collateral damage, and this form of delivery provides greater control.
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 there is currently widespread information available outlining personal production of encapsulated herbs, vitamins and minerals, making medical-quality products is costly and complicated, and is not a panacea for the problems associated with aging. As uses for this drug delivery process continue to grow, consumers will benefit most from its incorporation into health regimens that are already known to be beneficial.
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