Quick answer: liposomes are double-walled phospholipid spheres that can carry both water-soluble and fat-soluble nutrients. Micelles are smaller single-layer structures best suited to fat-soluble compounds. Phytosomes bind a compound directly to phospholipids. “Nano” only describes particle size. Each can improve absorption of certain nutrients, but the quality of the specific product matters more than the buzzword.
Why delivery systems exist
Many nutrients and plant compounds are hard for the body to absorb because they dissolve poorly in water, are destroyed in the gut, or are absorbed through limited transporters. Delivery systems wrap or bind these compounds to help them survive digestion and cross the gut wall. Learn the basics in What Is Liposomal?
The main systems compared
| System | Structure | Best for | Typical size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liposome | Hollow sphere with a phospholipid bilayer (two layers) around a watery core | Water-soluble (vitamin C, glutathione) and fat-soluble compounds | About 50 to 500 nm |
| Micelle | Single layer of molecules with fat-loving tails pointing inward | Fat-soluble compounds (vitamin D, CoQ10, curcumin) | Often under 100 nm |
| Phytosome | Plant compound chemically associated with phospholipid molecules | Plant extracts (curcumin, silymarin, green tea) | Varies |
| Nanoemulsion | Tiny oil droplets dispersed in water with emulsifiers | Fat-soluble compounds in liquids | Under about 200 nm |
| Cyclodextrin complex | Compound held inside a ring-shaped sugar molecule | Poorly soluble compounds | Molecular |
Liposomes
Liposomes mimic the structure of cell membranes. Their watery core lets them carry water-soluble nutrients, which micelles cannot do well. That is why the best human data for liposomal supplements involve water-soluble compounds such as vitamin C and glutathione. See Liposomal Absorption Explained.
Micelles
Your body already makes micelles: bile salts form them to absorb fat from food. Supplement micelles use emulsifiers such as polysorbate 80 or plant-derived surfactants to dissolve fat-soluble compounds in water. Micellar forms of vitamin D, CoQ10 and curcumin have shown increased blood levels in some studies. Natural Factors’ “LipoMicel” products, sold in Canada, are an example of a micelle-based system.
Phytosomes
A phytosome binds a plant compound to phosphatidylcholine, improving how it passes through the fatty gut membrane. Several branded curcumin and milk thistle phytosomes have human absorption data.
What does “nano” mean?
Nano refers to particles measured in nanometres (billionths of a metre). Liposomes, micelles and nanoemulsions can all be “nano.” Smaller particles generally have more surface area and may be absorbed more easily, but “nano” on a label tells you nothing about structure or quality on its own.
How to judge any delivery claim
- Is there a human study on this product or this exact technology, measuring blood levels?
- What was it compared with? “10x better” than plain curcumin is very different from “better than another enhanced form.”
- Who funded it? Industry-funded studies are common and not automatically wrong, but independent replication is stronger.
- Is the dose meaningful? Delivery systems can reduce the amount of active nutrient per capsule.
- Is it licensed? Check the NPN in Health Canada’s database (how to check an NPN).
Which should you choose?
- Glutathione, high-dose vitamin C: liposomal has the most data.
- Curcumin: any well-documented enhanced form (liposomal, phytosome, micellar, with piperine).
- Vitamin D, CoQ10: a regular softgel with a meal is usually enough; micellar forms may help people with fat absorption problems.
- Minerals and B vitamins: delivery systems add little for most people.
See our buying guide for product examples.
Frequently asked questions
Are nanoparticles in supplements safe?
Phospholipid liposomes and micelles are made from food-grade ingredients and are generally considered safe. Health Canada reviews the safety of ingredients in licensed natural health products.
Is liposomal always better than micellar?
No. They suit different types of nutrients. A micellar form can be better for a fat-soluble compound, and a liposomal form for a water-soluble one.
Sources
- Review literature on oral lipid-based delivery systems (liposomes, micelles, phytosomes, nanoemulsions).
- Davis JL, et al. Nutrition and Metabolic Insights, 2016.
- Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products Database.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.
