Stability, bioaccessibility and bioavailability of vitamins in different delivery systems (LIPOSOMES)

Stability, bioaccessibility and bioavailability of vitamins in different delivery systems (LIPOSOMES)

Stability, Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of Vitamins in Different Delivery Systems

Abstract (Summary)

This review examines how different delivery systems affect the stability, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of vitamins—nutrient compounds essential to metabolic functions—during processing, storage, and digestion. Vitamins are susceptible to degradation from heat, light, oxygen, and interactions with food components, which reduces their functional effectiveness. Encapsulation and other delivery technologies (e.g., liposomes, emulsions, nano-systems) are evaluated for their ability to protect vitamins, enhance stability, and improve absorption in gastrointestinal conditions. (sciencedirect.com)

1. Introduction

Vitamins are indispensable micronutrients required for normal physiological processes. However, their chemical sensitivity during food processing, storage, and gastrointestinal digestion often leads to significant degradation and reduced nutritional value. These challenges have driven the development of advanced delivery systems designed to protect and improve the performance of vitamins in functional foods and supplements. (sciencedirect.com)

2. Delivery Systems and Mechanisms

The review discusses various encapsulation techniques and delivery formats, including:

  • Liposomes and nano-systems: Provide protective barriers against environmental stressors.

  • Emulsions: Support stability for both water- and fat-soluble vitamins.

  • Spray-dried microcapsules: Enhance bioavailability of specific vitamins, such as vitamin B₁₂.

These systems are engineered to shield vitamins from adverse conditions (e.g., heat, oxygen, pH changes) and to promote effective release and absorption during digestion. (sciencedirect.com)

3. Vitamin Stability

Vitamin stability varies greatly depending on both the compound and the delivery method. For example:

  • Vitamin C: Liposomal and oleogel systems can retain >80 % of vitamin C compared to unprotected forms.

  • Vitamin A: Emulsion-based systems can achieve >70 % stability.

The presence of appropriate carrier materials helps reduce degradation during processing and storage, ensuring more of the nutrient remains intact until consumption. (sciencedirect.com)

4. Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability

Bioaccessibility refers to the proportion of a vitamin that becomes available for absorption in the gut, while bioavailability encompasses the fraction that is actually absorbed and utilized by the body. Delivery systems significantly enhance these measures:

  • Nano-delivery systems offered up to 75–88 % increases in bioaccessibility.

  • Encapsulation improved intestinal transport and uptake in vitro for some vitamins.

These improvements suggest that engineered delivery technologies can meaningfully increase the effective nutritional contribution of fortified foods and supplements. (sciencedirect.com)

5. Discussion

The literature reviewed shows that advanced encapsulation methods markedly improve performance outcomes for vitamins compared to conventional formulations. However, results vary by vitamin type, delivery system, and food matrix. Optimization of wall materials and encapsulation conditions is critical to balance stability with controlled release and absorption. (sciencedirect.com)

6. Conclusions

Encapsulation and tailored delivery systems represent promising strategies to overcome the inherent instability of vitamins and enhance their bioaccessibility and bioavailability. These approaches have important implications for the design of functional foods and nutraceuticals, offering a pathway to more effective vitamin delivery in both clinical and consumer contexts. (sciencedirect.com)


Source:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814625027037

Back to blog