Liposomal Iron
Liposomal iron represents a significant advancement in iron supplementation, offering enhanced efficacy, improved tolerability, and broader suitability across diverse populations. By employing liposomes as carriers, it prevents direct contact between iron and the gastrointestinal mucosa, allowing the iron to remain protected from gastric acidity and oxidation.
- Ferrous bisglycinate
- Ferric Citrate DC granules
- Ferrous Ascorbate
- Carbonyl Iron
The following physicochemical parameters confirm the quality, uniformity, and performance of the Lipoedge-Iron formulation across batch production
- Nano-liposomal particle size: The formulation yields a mean size of ~153.8 nm, confirming nanoscale liposomal particles.
- pH-resilient colloidal stability: Strong colloidal stability is indicated by a high negative zeta potential of -61.22 mV.
- Controlled particle distribution: A PDI of ~0.28 ensures uniform size distribution across the field.
- High iron entrapment: A high encapsulation efficiency of 87.42% indicates effective iron entrapment within the lipid bilayer.
Comprehensive in vitro testing validates the gastrointestinal stability, cellular uptake, biocompatibility, and oxidative protection of Lipoedge-Iron under simulated physiological conditions.
- In vitro simulated gastrointestinal stability:
Assesses the ability of liposomes to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach and the enzymatic conditions of the intestines, demonstrating high stability with 88-92% iron retention after the gastric and intestinal phases. - Iron release profile:
Measures the rate and extent of iron release from the liposomes over time in simulated intestinal fluid. The formulation shows a controlled release profile, with 45-50% release within the first 2 hours, reaching 80-85% after 6 hours. - Cellular uptake (Caco-2 cell model):
Evaluates the absorption of liposomal iron by human intestinal epithelial cells. Results indicate enhanced uptake, achieving 2.5-3.0 times higher intracellular iron concentration compared to free iron salts. - Transepithelial transport:
Measures the transport of iron across a monolayer of Caco-2 cells, mimicking intestinal absorption. The liposomal formulation demonstrates improved transport, with 1.8-2.2 times higher transport efficiency than non-liposomal iron. - Cell viability/cytotoxicity:
Determines the potential toxic effects of liposomal iron on intestinal cells (Caco-2/HT-29 cells). The product exhibits high biocompatibility, maintaining >95% cell viability at concentrations up to 500 µM iron. - Protection against oxidative stress (ROS production):
Assesses if liposomal encapsulation reduces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) typically caused by free iron. The liposomal iron significantly reduces oxidative stress, showing 40-50% lower ROS levels in cells compared to treatment with free iron.
Liposomal Iron is available in a wide range of dosage formats suitable for both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, offering flexibility for custom formulations.
Liposomal Iron Capsules
Our Liposomal iron capsules come in a convenient size 00 capsule and provide 30 mg of elemental iron per capsule. The iron is encapsulated within a phospholipid-based liposomal system, developed to support effective iron delivery while being gentle on the gastrointestinal system. The liposomal structure surrounds and carries the iron within a phospholipid-based delivery system, helping it interact with the intestinal environment. The approach supports effective iron absorption and better gastrointestinal tolerability than conventional oral iron preparations, which sometimes cause digestive discomfort. The formulation combines a practical capsule format with a modern liposomal delivery approach, making it suitable for oral iron supplementation and formulation development.
Key Features:
- 30 mg elemental iron
- Size 00 capsule
- Liposomal iron delivery system
- Phospholipid-based carrier
- Designed for improved gastrointestinal tolerability
- Designed to support efficient iron absorption
- Convenient oral dosage form
Liposomal Iron Chewable Tablet
Liposomal Iron Chewable Tablets deliver iron through an advanced phospholipid bilayer system, protecting it from harsh gastric conditions and enhancing cellular absorption — offering superior bioavailability compared to conventional iron supplements.
Formulated with effective taste-masking agents to neutralize iron's naturally metallic bitterness, these chewable tablets provide a smooth, pleasant experience without the GI discomfort commonly associated with standard iron supplementation.
A premium, technology-driven iron solution designed for better tolerability, better absorption, and better compliance.
Liposomal Iron DC Grade Granules
Our Liposomal Iron DC Grade granules are engineered for direct-compression tablet manufacturing, providing a standardised, process-friendly iron ingredient with controlled flow and compaction characteristics. The granules comprise liposomal iron within a phospholipid-based delivery matrix, supported by selected pharmaceutical excipients to achieve suitable flowability, compressibility and content uniformity. The granulated format improves particle handling, powder flow, and tabletting performance compared with conventional micronised or fine iron powders. The phospholipid-based liposomal structure is designed to maintain the iron within a protective lipid matrix, supporting efficient iron delivery and improved gastrointestinal tolerability. The DC-grade platform enables direct blending and compression into tablets, minimising or eliminating additional wet or dry granulation steps and thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Key Technical Attributes:
- Liposomal iron
- Direct-compression grade
- Phospholipid-based delivery matrix
- Controlled powder flow
- Enhanced compactibility
- Improved content uniformity
- Optimised tabletting characteristics
- Designed for gastrointestinal tolerability
- Suitable for direct-compression tablet formulations.
Liposomal Iron Oral Tablet
Advanced Iron Delivery in a Convenient Oral Format
Liposomal Iron Oral Tablet combines iron with phospholipid-based delivery technology to support improved dispersion, stability, and absorption. The liposomal structure can help protect iron during gastrointestinal transit while the tablet format provides convenient dosing, portability, and enhanced consumer acceptability.
- Enhanced Absorption Potential: Supports efficient iron delivery and bioavailability.
- GI Protection: Helps protect encapsulated iron under unfavourable gastrointestinal conditions.
- Taste & Odour Masking: Helps reduce the characteristic metallic taste and odour of iron.
- Convenient Dosage Form: Easy-to-handle, portable, and suitable for precise dosing.
Liposomal Iron - Powder
Our Liposomal Iron Powder contains Ferric Pyrophosphate (FPP) and provides 9% elemental iron. The iron is incorporated within a phospholipid-based liposomal system and changes into a convenient, free-flowing powder through spray drying. Ferric pyrophosphate has low solubility in water, so the powder does not produce a clear solution when mixed with water. Instead, it forms a fine, uniform suspension in which the liposomal particles remain dispersed in the liquid. It is a normal characteristic of the formulation and reflects the presence of the liposomal phospholipid structure. The spray-dried format provides a convenient, versatile ingredient for use in powders, sachets, capsules, tablets, and other oral formulations.
Key Features:
- 9% elemental iron
- Ferric Pyrophosphate
- Spray-dried liposomal system
- Phospholipid-based delivery
- Uniform aqueous suspension
- Suitable for oral formulation development
- Ferrous bisglycinate
- Ferric Citrate DC granules
- Ferrous Ascorbate
- Carbonyl Iron
A comprehensive comparison highlighting why liposomal iron technology represents a meaningful advancement over conventional iron supplementation.
| Attribute | Traditional Iron | Liposomal Iron (Lipoedge) |
|---|---|---|
| Bioavailability | ~10–20% absorbed | Comparable efficacy to IV iron |
| GI tolerability | Nausea and constipation are common | Significantly fewer side effects |
| Dosing efficiency | Higher daily dose needed | Lower dose, same efficacy |
| Target segment | General iron-deficiency treatment | IBD, pregnancy, and intolerant patients |
Key Insight: Liposomal encapsulation addresses the "Iron Paradox" — delivering high absorption without the gastrointestinal burden that limits compliance with traditional oral iron therapy, enabling effective treatment at significantly lower elemental iron doses.
- Higher bioavailability: Offers 2.7 to 3.5 times higher bioavailability compared to conventional iron salts.
- Improved tolerability: Results in minimal gastrointestinal side effects, successfully avoiding issues like gastric irritation, nausea, and constipation.
- Reduced interactions: Ensures reduced interaction with dietary inhibitors and other nutrients.
- Lower oxidative stress: Controlled iron release leads to lower oxidative stress and reduced alteration of SOD levels.
- Faster absorption: Promotes faster and higher plasma iron levels
Lipoedge’s Liposomal Iron is engineered to meet the stringent demands of modern nutraceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Below is a quick-reference summary of our product’s core technical advantages:
| Key Quality Parameter | Formulation Advantage |
|---|---|
| Encapsulation Efficiency (~88%) | Maximizes payload delivery and long-term product viability |
| Superior Morphology | Uniform, spherical particles ensure consistent blending and cellular uptake |
| Chemical Integrity (EDAX-Verified) | Zero surface iron ensures no metallic taste and prevents oxidation |
| Robust Stability Profile | Resists degradation and leakage under accelerated thermal stress |
Lipoedge-Iron (Liposomal Ferric Pyrophosphate) is a versatile, high-performance ingredient designed for dual application in the Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical industries. Its unique phospholipid bilayer protection solves the traditional “Iron Paradox”—providing high absorption without the typical gastric irritation or metallic taste.
- Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA): A primary therapeutic use for rapidly increasing Haemoglobin (Hb) and Ferritin levels. Clinical data shows a significantly higher rise in Hb compared to standard ferrous salts at lower elemental doses.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Ideal for non-dialysis CKD patients who require effective iron replenishment but are prone to the oxidative stress caused by free iron ions.
- Pregnancy & Postpartum Care: Provides a high-safety profile for pregnant women, supporting fetal development while minimizing “morning sickness” aggravated by traditional iron.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Unlike regular iron, liposomal iron can bypass the hepcidin-mediated blockade of iron absorption often seen in chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., IBD, Rheumatoid Arthritis).
- Paediatric & Geriatric Medicine: Used in the formulation of drops and syrups that require high gastrointestinal tolerance for vulnerable populations with sensitive mucosal linings.
- Premium Dietary Supplements: Used in capsules, tablets, and “melt-in-mouth” orodispersible granules. Its ~88% encapsulation efficiency ensures no metallic aftertaste, removing the need for heavy flavouring agents.
- Food & Beverage Fortification: Due to its superior morphology and stable coating, it can be used to fortify dairy products, cereals, and infant formulas. It does not cause lipid oxidation or change the colour/taste of the food matrix.
- Women’s Health & Wellness: A staple ingredient in “Beauty from Within” and prenatal multivitamins, targeting hair health, energy levels, and cognitive function.
- Sports Nutrition: Formulated into recovery drinks and powders for athletes to prevent “Sports Anemia” and improve oxygen transport without causing mid-workout GI distress.
- Liquid Formulations: Highly suitable for aqueous dispersions (syrups and shots) because the micronized ferric pyrophosphate remains protected within the liposome, preventing sedimentation and chemical interaction with other vitamins (like Vitamin C or B12).
Conventional iron salts often pose challenges in terms of tolerance, taste, and formulation complexity. Liposomal iron offers an alternative approach focused on delivery structure rather than increasing elemental iron levels.
Iron requires careful dosing due to its narrow optimal intake range, and a liposomal iron supplement allows formulators to work with controlled inclusion levels while maintaining functional performance.
Liposomal iron of Lipoedge is designed with international expectations around tolerability, formulation quality, and ingredient sophistication. This supports consistent product positioning across diverse markets and regulatory environments.
It is particularly suited for products intended for sustained or repeated use, where user adherence and comfort are critical. This includes premium nutrition and wellness formulations rather than short-term corrective products.
Yes, iron liposomal is designed to integrate into multi-ingredient formulations without dominating the matrix or creating handling issues, making it suitable for advanced blends that require iron to coexist with vitamins, minerals, or botanical ingredients.
