Enhanced acute absorption of vitamin D3 with a liposomal formulation (Cymbiotika) compared to a standard formulation...

Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly prevalent and linked to impaired health and disease. While vitamin D3 supplementation is effective, variability in absorption can influence bioavailability and clinical responses, with formulation characteristics potentially contributing to this variability.

The aim of this randomized, double-blind, crossover absorption study was to compare the absorption of a liposomal vitamin D3 formulation (Cymbiotika) with that of a conventional non-liposomal vitamin D3 formulation. Healthy adult participants received a single oral dose of both formulations in random order separated by a 2-week washout period. Blood samples were collected over 48 h post-dose and plasma cholecalciferol concentrations quantified. Absorption parameters including area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and time to peak concentration (Tmax) were calculated following baseline correction.

Twelve participants completed the study (mean age 34.3 ± 9.7 years; BMI 24.8 ± 2.7 kg/m2). The liposomal formulation showed greater systemic absorption compared with the comparator formulation, with a 1.9-fold higher AUC (199 vs. 106 ng·h/mL). Peak concentration was also higher for the liposomal formulation (8.4 vs. 6.0 ng/mL). Circulating cholecalciferol concentrations remained elevated above baseline at 48 h in the liposomal formulation but returned to baseline in the comparator formulation.

These findings suggest that the Cymbiotika formulation may enhance the acute absorption of orally administered vitamin D3. Whether this enhanced acute absorption translates into improved long-term vitamin D status requires investigation in longer-term supplementation studies.

https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN39055102, identifier (ISRCTN39055102).